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Greg Vanderford

Recent Testimonials:

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Recent Testimonials:

"I am a 28 year old Vietnamese born in America, with parents from Southern Vietnam region. I've lived my life with an OK ability to converse and a good amount of vocab, but I never learned it properly. Unfortunately, there's very few resources for learning English-> Viet Southern Dialect, since the Northern/Hanoi dialect is the official preference and more relevant for business. Since there were very few resources for improving Southern dialect, I mostly gave up on developing my own Vietnamese. So I was very happy to see a course specifically aimed for Southern dialect on Udemy. After completing this course, I am really pleased with the quality of the lessons. Greg is comprehensive, thorough and attuned to the tonal nuances of the language. So if you're like me, a Viet Kieu with a desire to improve, this is an excellent course and I highly recommend it." - Kim T

"Although I have not completed the course yet, I have already benefited greatly from Greg's insight of the Vietnamese language." - Gerald Morton

"I've taken lessons from several Vietnamese teachers and this one is my favorite by far. " - Tiffany Bennet

"Love the building-blocks approach." - Tony Luvonne

This course is for anyone who wants to become fluent in the Vietnamese language or simply learn some conversational phrases and vocabulary before making a trip to Vietnam. It's also for anyone seeking to simply communicate with your Vietnamese friends or neighbors.

It is designed to teach you Vietnamese in the shortest possible time frame by using the same strategies that I used when I first learned the language while living in Vietnam. I'll teach you tricks and tips along the way that allow you to understand popular phrases and slang, as well as how to properly pronounce the difficult tones and accents of Vietnamese.

I have structured the course into short, instructional videos that allow you to focus on one subject at a time without getting overloaded with too much information. I have adapted some of the grammar and sentence structures from the very popular language textbooks used at the University of Sociology and Language Arts in Ho Chi Minh City which are the core building blocks of the language.

Everything in the course is useful in everyday situations so you will never be spending time studying something that is not totally applicable in the real world right away. Most language courses have a lot of this kind of superfluous material which is quite inefficient and waste a lot of time covering unnecessary vocabulary and grammar rules. Our course is designed for efficiency AND proficiency.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Speak vietnamese with locals
  • Use very natural language that locals will easily understand
  • Use a wide ranging vocabulary allowing you to speak about various topics
  • Speak with a clear southern accent

Syllabus

Explain what we will learn in the course

This lecture covers what we learn in the course including what you will be able to say, discuss, and think about in Vietnamese.

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How to talk about receiving, recognizing, appearing, and discovering

This lecture covers how to discuss and think about various topics such as receiving gifts or mail, recognizing individuals or situations, and people or objections appearing or showing up

This lecture teaches you how to discuss and understand the topics of discovering, understanding, appearing, and other related ideas.

This lesson covers how to talk about being threatened or threatening, getting revenge, and related ideas

This lesson covers how to discuss struggling in work, working hard or well, and how to talk about tending to do or be something

How to talk about intentions, discussions, and enthusiasm

This lesson covers the topics of intentions, making plans, and alluding to some notion, idea, or meaning

In this lesson you will learn how to talk about discussions, ideas, opinions, and other related topics

After this lesson you will know how to talk about giving offense, being enthusiastic, and showing or being sympathetic

How to talk about performances, idioms, and the universe

In this lesson you will learn how to evaluate performances, describe additions, and indicate someone should listen to what you're about to say

This lesson covers how to use idioms, traditional phrases, and cultural wisdom

This lesson covers such important topics as weapons, war, the universe, and physics

How to talk about childhood, neighbors, and the good old days

This lesson covers how to have conversations about childhood, dreams, and the Vietnamese words for giving up on dreams, projects, intentions

After this lecture you will be able to discuss your weight, being sore after a workout or fitful sleep, and reply in a natural way to various types of comments

This lesson covers the good old days, not wasting food, money or time, and people in the neighborhood

How to talk about blaming, pretending, and becoming

After this lesson you will know how to speak about being nervous, placing blame, and talking with no foreign accent

This lesson covers exaggeration, pretense, and how to place emphasis on a particular word or meaning

After this lesson you will be able to discuss being angry or calm, and describe a person changing or becoming something new

Explain what we learned in the course

This lecture is a review of what Vietnamese language we learned throughout the course with tips about how to continue improving your language skills

This quiz covers material from lessons in section 2 of the course

This quiz covers material from section 4 of the course

This quiz covers material from section 6 of the course

Bonus Material!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches how to speak the Southern Vietnamese dialect, which is important for people with family from that region
Uses building blocks from official university textbooks, which ensures a well-structured approach
Includes practical tips and tricks not found in textbooks, which aids in immersion and realism
Lessons focus on one subject at a time without overloading learners, which improves comprehension
Covers essential topics for everyday communication, ensuring immediate usefulness
Clear pronunciation and accent training, which enhances the spoken aspect of learning

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Reviews summary

Good vietnamese course

According to students, Learn to Speak Vietnamese is a Vietnamese language course that is useful for learners of all locations. Students in the North of Vietnam find the content to be helpful.
Useful for all.
"I'm in the North of Vietnam and I still find this content useful, thank you!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn to Speak Vietnamese for Life with these activities:
Review Tones and Pronunciation
Enhance your foundation in Vietnamese language learning by familiarizing yourself with the complexities of tones and pronunciation.
Show steps
  • Listen to native speakers and imitate their pronunciation.
  • Practice speaking aloud and record yourself for review.
  • Use online resources or language learning apps to improve your pronunciation.
Resource Collection
Centralize your learning resources by creating a compilation of useful websites, apps, and materials that support your Vietnamese language journey.
Show steps
  • Search for and identify websites, apps, and materials that align with your learning goals.
  • Categorize and organize resources based on topic or purpose.
Vocabulary Builder
Expand your Vietnamese vocabulary and enhance your comprehension skills through regular practice.
Show steps
  • Use flashcards to memorize new words.
  • Create a vocabulary list and categorize new words.
  • Engage in conversations or language exchange to practice using new vocabulary.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Conversation Exchange
Immerse yourself in Vietnamese conversations by pairing up with a language partner to practice speaking and listening.
Show steps
  • Find a language exchange partner who is a native Vietnamese speaker.
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule for conversation practice.
  • Take turns speaking and listening to each other, providing feedback and corrections.
  • Discuss various topics and scenarios to enhance your conversational skills.
Language Journal
Solidify your learning by creating a language journal to record your progress, reflect on your experiences, and track your vocabulary.
Show steps
  • Set aside time each day or week to write in your language journal.
  • Record new vocabulary you encounter and write down example sentences.
  • Reflect on your language learning journey, including challenges and successes.
Tutor Beginner Vietnamese Learners
Reinforce your knowledge and support others by volunteering to tutor beginner Vietnamese learners.
Show steps
  • Contact local language learning centers or volunteer organizations to offer your tutoring services.
  • Plan and prepare lesson materials that cater to beginner learners.
  • Meet with your students regularly to teach and guide their Vietnamese language journey.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn to Speak Vietnamese for Life will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Vietnamese Interpreter
Vietnamese Interpreters help bridge communication gaps between Vietnamese speakers and English speakers. Vietnamese is a very tonal language, and even fluent speakers may struggle to understand Vietnamese from a different region. Someone with a deep understanding of Vietnamese grammar and regional differences may be able to specialize in Vietnamese interpretation. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and pronunciation, which can make it easier to accurately interpret for clients.
Vietnamese Translator
Vietnamese Translators convert written material from one language to another. While many translation services use software for simple translations, more complex or creative translations are generally best handled by human translators. Someone with a deep understanding of Vietnamese grammar and regional differences may be able to specialize in translating from Vietnamese to English, particularly in business settings where documents may use specialized vocabulary or terminology. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and usage, which can make it easier to accurately translate documents for clients.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers represent the United States abroad. Vietnam is a strategic partner of the United States, and there is a growing need for Foreign Service Officers who can speak Vietnamese. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to work in the US embassy in Vietnam or in other diplomatic roles. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and pronunciation, which can make it easier to communicate with Vietnamese officials and citizens.
International Business Consultant
International Business Consultants help businesses expand into new markets. Vietnam is a rapidly growing economy, and there is a growing need for International Business Consultants who can help businesses navigate the Vietnamese market. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to help businesses better understand Vietnamese culture and business etiquette. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and pronunciation, which can make it easier to communicate with Vietnamese clients and partners.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. Vietnam has a complex legal system, and there is a growing need for Lawyers who can advise clients on Vietnamese law. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to specialize in Vietnamese law and represent Vietnamese clients. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and usage, which can make it easier to understand and interpret Vietnamese laws and regulations.
Businessperson
Businesspeople own and operate businesses. Vietnam is a rapidly growing economy, and there is a growing need for Businesspeople who can start and operate businesses in Vietnam. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to start a business in Vietnam or work for a Vietnamese company. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and usage, which can make it easier to communicate with Vietnamese colleagues and clients.
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and issues. Vietnam is a rapidly changing country, and there is a growing need for Journalists who can report on Vietnam from the inside. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to report on Vietnamese news and events for Western audiences. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and usage, which can make it easier to understand and report on Vietnamese news and events.
ESL Teacher
ESL Teachers help non-native speakers of English improve their ability to speak, read, and write in English. Many Vietnamese immigrants in the United States speak little to no English at all, and ESL Teachers provide vital support for these individuals. Someone with a command of Vietnamese may be more successful in teaching English to Vietnamese speakers, particularly in settings where students come from a wide range of linguistic backgrounds. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and pronunciation, which can make it easier to understand the challenges that Vietnamese students face when learning English.
Language Instructor
Language Instructors teach students a foreign language. This is an excellent second career for someone who has achieved fluency in a second language, especially if that language is uncommon in the United States. A language instructor with a strong command of Vietnamese may specialize in teaching Vietnamese to students, particularly in an academic setting, especially in universities where students come from a wide range of backgrounds and may need extra support. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar, pronunciation, and usage, which can make it easier to create engaging lesson plans in Vietnamese.
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels. Vietnam has a large and growing education system, and there is a growing need for Teachers who can teach Vietnamese to students. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to teach Vietnamese language and culture to students at all levels. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and pronunciation, which can make it easier to teach Vietnamese to students.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. Vietnam has a growing nonprofit sector, and there is a growing need for Nonprofit Managers who can lead these organizations. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to manage a nonprofit organization in Vietnam or work for a Vietnamese nonprofit organization. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and usage, which can make it easier to communicate with Vietnamese staff and clients.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study the behavior, beliefs, and values of different cultures. Vietnam has a rich and complex culture, and there is a growing need for Cultural Anthropologists who can help Westerners understand Vietnamese culture. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to conduct research in Vietnam and build relationships with Vietnamese people. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and usage, which can make it easier to conduct research and build relationships in Vietnam.
Development Worker
Development Workers help improve the lives of people in developing countries. Vietnam is a developing country, and there is a growing need for Development Workers who can help improve the lives of Vietnamese people. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to work with Vietnamese communities and organizations to address issues such as poverty, health, and education. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and usage, which can make it easier to communicate with Vietnamese communities and organizations.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people improve their lives. Vietnam has a growing social welfare system, and there is a growing need for Social Workers who can help Vietnamese people. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to work with Vietnamese communities and organizations to address issues such as poverty, health, and education. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and usage, which can make it easier to communicate with Vietnamese communities and organizations.
Peace Corps Volunteer
Peace Corps Volunteers work in developing countries to promote peace and friendship. Vietnam is a partner country of the Peace Corps, and there is a growing need for Peace Corps Volunteers who can speak Vietnamese. Someone with fluency in Vietnamese may be able to work in Vietnam on projects related to education, health, and community development. This course may help build a foundation in Vietnamese grammar and usage, which can make it easier to communicate with Vietnamese communities and organizations.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn to Speak Vietnamese for Life.
This weighty academic tome is the go-to reference guide for students and teachers of Vietnamese. It technical analysis of Vietnamese grammar and goes far deeper than what you will learn in this course. is an invaluable reference text for Vietnamese language nerds and professional linguists.
This traditional Vietnamese-only dictionary widely used reference work for Vietnamese speakers and learners alike. It covers a broad range of vocabulary including many more technical terms and historical words than can be covered in a language course.
This comprehensive introduction to Vietnamese grammar is written entirely in English and provides a theoretically-informed, practical guide to one of the more challenging aspects of learning Vietnamese.
This is another popular reference book by Jerold A. Edmondson who is one of the foremost creators of Vietnamese language learning material.
This accessible textbook widely used introduction which takes a more traditional, structured approach to learning Vietnamese.
Offers a structured way to learn how to read and write the Vietnamese script. It provides a focused introduction to the often-daunting task of Vietnamese orthography.
Provides a useful phrasebook and dictionary for tourists and other short-term visitors to Vietnam, with an emphasis on the vocabulary and phrases which will be useful for navigating day-to-day situations.
Another good value introductory guide to the Vietnamese language. It only covers the basics, but good resource for those wanting a quick overview of the language.
Provides a no-nonsense overview of the Vietnamese language with an easy-to-follow lessons and exercises.
Provides an introduction to the history of Vietnam and Vietnamese culture. It describes the position of the Vietnamese language within the broader Vietnamese cultural context.

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