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As both a long-time language learner and a language teacher. I’ve spent years observing not only how my students learn, but also how I learn myself. Through this experience, I would like to share some personal insights and honest advice on how to learn a language effectively.
If you’re currently learning a foreign language, I hope this can guide and encourage you on your path.
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① Learn Like a Child
If you’re currently learning a foreign language, I hope this can guide and encourage you on your path.
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① Learn Like a Child
Children don’t learn language by studying grammar rules. Their parents don’t explain what a noun or a tense is — they just say things and the child copies. And by doing this, the child eventually becomes fluent.
As adults, we should learn a new language the same way. Don’t focus too much on analysis or research at the beginning. Focus on communication.
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② Learn by Feeling – Learn to Use, Not to Analyze
Language is not like math or science. There’s not always a clear, logical answer to the question “why.” In fact, even native speakers often can’t explain the grammar behind their speech, they just speak in a way that feels natural.
That’s why, especially at the beginner level, if you try to analyze too much or ask “why” all the time, you may feel confused. Teachers try to make everything as simple as possible so that students can copy, repeat, and get a feel for how the language works. As you move to higher levels, you’ll start to understand the “why” more clearly.
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③ Don’t Be Afraid of Mistakes – Just Speak
Many learners are afraid of making mistakes. But making mistakes is a crucial part of learning. You need to say things wrong so you can learn to say them right. Speak confidently, copy what your teacher says, copy how native speakers talk and over time, your Vietnamese will become smoother and more natural.
Language changes depending on the context. The same word or sentence might be used differently in writing vs speaking, in formal vs informal situations. You’ll learn these differences gradually as you gain more exposure and experience.
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④ Practice Makes Progress
Some students think the teacher will make them fluent. But here’s the reality:
No teacher can make you fluent. Only YOU can do that.
Your teacher can guide you, encourage and inspire you. But only practice makes progress. You need to use it, make mistakes, and keep going. That’s how you grow.
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Some students think the teacher will make them fluent. But here’s the reality:
No teacher can make you fluent. Only YOU can do that.
Your teacher can guide you, encourage and inspire you. But only practice makes progress. You need to use it, make mistakes, and keep going. That’s how you grow.
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⑤ Language learning takes time — be patient
Learning a language is a long-term journey. It requires patience.
Some students have asked me:
“Can you teach me Vietnamese in 3 months?”
Or even:
“Can I learn Vietnamese in just 10 days?”
In these cases, I usually decline and gently explain that isn't realistic. I understand the desire to learn quickly, but I don't want students to waste their time and money on something that is unlikely to bring real and lasting results.
You can make progress in a short time, but true understanding, fluency, and comfort with the language take time, just like learning a musical instrument or building a new habit.
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⑤ Set a clear learning goal
In my 3 years of teaching Vietnamese and 9 years of teaching Japanese, I’ve worked with many students, all with different reasons for learning. Some learn because they plan to work or live in Vietnam or Japan. Some want to travel with confidence. Some simply love the language and culture. And a few want to surprise someone they care about.
From what I’ve seen, students with a clear goal tend to stay longer, learn more effectively, and make real progress.
For example:
• Those who want to live or work in the country usually stay committed for the long term.
• Those who love the culture or language itself often find joy in the learning process, which helps them stay consistent.
• Children who are asked to learn only because their parents want them to, not because they themselves are interested, often struggle to stay motivated or engaged.
Everyone has their own story behind why they start learning a language and that reason, whatever it may be, deserves respect. But what I want to emphasize is this:
The clearer and more grounded in your goal is, the easier it will be to stay consistent, motivated, and on track. Learning a language is a journey that takes time and care. A clear goal can gently guide your path and keep your learning experience more focused and enjoyable.
Learning a language is a long-term journey. It requires patience.
Some students have asked me:
“Can you teach me Vietnamese in 3 months?”
Or even:
“Can I learn Vietnamese in just 10 days?”
In these cases, I usually decline and gently explain that isn't realistic. I understand the desire to learn quickly, but I don't want students to waste their time and money on something that is unlikely to bring real and lasting results.
You can make progress in a short time, but true understanding, fluency, and comfort with the language take time, just like learning a musical instrument or building a new habit.
⸻
⑤ Set a clear learning goal
In my 3 years of teaching Vietnamese and 9 years of teaching Japanese, I’ve worked with many students, all with different reasons for learning. Some learn because they plan to work or live in Vietnam or Japan. Some want to travel with confidence. Some simply love the language and culture. And a few want to surprise someone they care about.
From what I’ve seen, students with a clear goal tend to stay longer, learn more effectively, and make real progress.
For example:
• Those who want to live or work in the country usually stay committed for the long term.
• Those who love the culture or language itself often find joy in the learning process, which helps them stay consistent.
• Children who are asked to learn only because their parents want them to, not because they themselves are interested, often struggle to stay motivated or engaged.
Everyone has their own story behind why they start learning a language and that reason, whatever it may be, deserves respect. But what I want to emphasize is this:
The clearer and more grounded in your goal is, the easier it will be to stay consistent, motivated, and on track. Learning a language is a journey that takes time and care. A clear goal can gently guide your path and keep your learning experience more focused and enjoyable.
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⑥ To speak Vietnamese well, you must also understand Vietnamese culture
Learning Vietnamese or any languages isn’t just about vocabulary and grammar. To really use the language well, you need to understand the culture behind it.
For example: When calling a waiter at a restaurant in English, you might say “Excuse me!” But in Vietnamese, we don’t say “Xin lỗi(excuse me)”, instead, we say “Em ơi” (literally: “Hey younger person!”). This isn’t rude, in fact, it’s the most natural and polite way to get someone’s attention in that context.
This connection between language and culture exists in many languages. In Japanese, for instance, people rarely say “I love you” directly. Instead, they might say something like:
「一緒にいてくれてありがとう」(ishoni itekurete arigatou)— “Thank you for staying by my side.”
Or when a couple walks together at night, the man might say:
「月が綺麗ですね」(tsuki ga kirei desune)— “The moon is beautiful tonight.”
That’s not just about the moon, he means "You are beautiful!". It’s a poetic, indirect way of expressing love. This reflects how Japanese culture often values subtlety and emotional restraint.
If you only translate word-for-word from your native language, your sentences might be technically correct, but they may sound unnatural or even confusing in real conversations. Because language and culture go hand in hand.
⑥ To speak Vietnamese well, you must also understand Vietnamese culture
Learning Vietnamese or any languages isn’t just about vocabulary and grammar. To really use the language well, you need to understand the culture behind it.
For example: When calling a waiter at a restaurant in English, you might say “Excuse me!” But in Vietnamese, we don’t say “Xin lỗi(excuse me)”, instead, we say “Em ơi” (literally: “Hey younger person!”). This isn’t rude, in fact, it’s the most natural and polite way to get someone’s attention in that context.
This connection between language and culture exists in many languages. In Japanese, for instance, people rarely say “I love you” directly. Instead, they might say something like:
「一緒にいてくれてありがとう」(ishoni itekurete arigatou)— “Thank you for staying by my side.”
Or when a couple walks together at night, the man might say:
「月が綺麗ですね」(tsuki ga kirei desune)— “The moon is beautiful tonight.”
That’s not just about the moon, he means "You are beautiful!". It’s a poetic, indirect way of expressing love. This reflects how Japanese culture often values subtlety and emotional restraint.
If you only translate word-for-word from your native language, your sentences might be technically correct, but they may sound unnatural or even confusing in real conversations. Because language and culture go hand in hand.
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In Short:
Language learning is not a race — it’s a journey. Immerse yourself in both the language and the culture, set a clear learning goal and enjoy the process of learning Vietnamese like you enjoy a good movie.
Don’t worry if things don’t make sense at first. Just keep going — listen, speak, observe and it will all come together.
In Short:
Language learning is not a race — it’s a journey. Immerse yourself in both the language and the culture, set a clear learning goal and enjoy the process of learning Vietnamese like you enjoy a good movie.
Don’t worry if things don’t make sense at first. Just keep going — listen, speak, observe and it will all come together.