Vietnamese Lessons.
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Why Learn to Speak Vietnamese?

With several strange vowel sounds and six different tones of pronunciation, Vietnamese can be challenging for the English ear and tongue. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) rates Vietnamese as a Category III language. This means it's considered to be a hard language for native English speakers to learn. Due to its significant linguistic and cultural differences from English, Vietnamese requires 44 weeks of study or 1,100 class hours, on average, for a student to learn.

Although the FSI considers Vietnamese to be a challenging language, there are many reasons why it's easier to learn than other East Asian languages. Until about a century ago, Vietnamese was solely written in a logographic script called chữ Nôm. Today, the modern Vietnamese writing system uses the same characters as English (the Latin alphabet). This modern writing system, quốc ngữ, makes Vietnamese way simpler for an English speaker to learn — especially with regard to reading and writing. Also, Vietnamese has no noun genders, no complex verb forms, simple tenses, and is highly logical. As a result, its different pronunciation is just about the only truly difficult part of learning Vietnamese. 

The Best Way to Learn Vietnamese and What You'll Study

Sure, a quick online search reveals pages of websites offering free Vietnamese lessons. Although this might seem fast and easy, it's not the best way to learn a foreign language — especially one as challenging as Vietnamese. We recommend studying with a private Vietnamese teacher who will offer you immediate feedback and help you overcome individual challenges quickly.

When learning Vietnamese with a private tutor, you'll also enjoy lessons that have been customized to your personal interests and preferred learning style. Remember that no two private lessons are alike. For example, Vietnamese classes for adults differ greatly in terms of content and teaching methods from Vietnamese lessons for children. Don't let the Category III rating discourage you! With a private Vietnamese tutor, you'll learn more quickly and have fun at the same time.

Sample Curriculum for Beginner Vietnamese Classes

If you have little or no previous experience with the Vietnamese language, then beginner lessons are for you! In beginner classes, you'll learn all the basic skills and rules you need to get a strong start learning Vietnamese. In beginning lessons, your teacher might choose to cover some of the following topics:

• Alphabet and pronunciation
• Unfamiliar vowel sounds
• Introduction to tones
• Survival phrases and essential vocabulary

Sample Curriculum for Intermediate Vietnamese Lessons

Intermediate lessons are designed to build upon a student's basic knowledge of Vietnamese. In intermediate lessons, you'll expand your vocabulary and develop a greater command of the language. Your Vietnamese tutor might cover some of the following topics:

• Sharpen listening comprehension
• Forming verb tenses
• Practicing vowels, consonants, and tones
• Syntax

Sample Curriculum for Advanced Vietnamese Classes

Advanced lessons are intended for students with a strong command of Vietnamese. Advanced students should already be comfortable speaking, hearing, reading, and writing Vietnamese. In advanced lessons, you'll approach fluency and begin speaking more like a native Vietnamese speaker. Course content and subject matter in advanced Vietnamese classes are highly dependent on the student's individual goals and interests, but your instructor might choose to cover some of the following topics:

• Accent reduction
• Discerning between and understanding dialects
• Nuance and inference
• Colloquialisms, customs, and culture

How to Find a Vietnamese Teacher Near You

If you're ready to get a taste for the vowel sounds and tonal inflections of the Vietnamese language, then you'll need to find a tutor. A quick search on TakeLessons will direct you to a variety of highly experienced and qualified teachers who offer private Vietnamese lessons both online and in person. Before you choose a Vietnamese tutor, we recommend browsing through several teacher profiles and reading reviews written by other students, like you. 

The price of Vietnamese classes varies, but most instructors charge a rate based on the length and frequency of lessons. You can discuss fees with your tutor and make arrangements that work for your budget and schedule. When studying Vietnamese with a private tutor, you'll pick up the language quickly and be on your way to proficiency in no time!