Job Discussion Forums

[mikesaidyes]

So I'm visiting next month (Saigon, Phu Quoc and Can Tho). Is there a "Vietnamese basics" website or something you'd recommend for me? I just want the simple stuff - I want, where is the bathroom, etc. etc. You know the drill.

Thanks!

[TRH]

If you have an Apple device you can download a Podcast called Vietnamese-Survival Phrases. There are also several other free podcasts of similar nature but this one should be directly on point for you. Even if you do not access the internet while there the podcasts should remain on your phone.

Not sure if these podcasts are available on Android phones but they may be. I see you are living in the Samsung world.

[toiyeuthitmeo]

Kudos for making an effort! Generally, your attempts at VN will be met with utter confusion, amusement, possibly appreciation, and rarely, comprehension. Consider...

1) VN are famous for not understanding, at least on the first few attempts, even fairly well-pronounced Vietnamese from foreigners' mouths. This is a combination of the relative difficulty of VN pronunciation, as well as a psychological disjoint by which many VN fail to recognize that you are attempting their language (due to the prevailing thought that foreigners simply don't speak VN). However after a few tries and some body language, you can get your VN through, and it will elicit laughs and good spirits, and often some correction of your pron that to your untrained ears (and to even the trained ears of the long-timers) will sound exactly like the word you said in the first place.

2) In the places you will visit, and most of the country for that manner, a VN person who knows the English for the things you mention is never far away. English is everywhere and the locals are happy to use it, and in fact many look forward to the opportunity to practice it with you.

3) Pointing, miming, body language, and pidgin English really get things done. Even those of the "I shall never speak in pidgin English" ilk find themselves in no time flat requesting "You call taxi for me. I go hotel now."

4) Mastering a few phrases, though unnecessary, will be met with delight by some of the more placating people you meet, who will, when you successfully order one beer in Vietnamese (Cho toi mot chay bia), praise you for your amazing VN skills, which are in reality limited to that one phrase you just uttered.

5) Though not entirely uncommon these days, a foreigner speaking VN remains a novelty, especially further afield. Along these lines, your few attempts at VN, if pronounced Ok-ish, may be presumed as a mastery of the language by some, and suddenly your tiny question about the toilet "Xin loi, toilet o dau?" will be met with a barrage of fast Vietnamese, none of which directs you to urgent relief of your traveler's diarrhea.

Chuc may man! Good luck!