From their very first words, children begin to connect with the world around them. For Vietnamese children growing up abroad, learning to communicate in Vietnamese is not just about language – it’s a journey of reconnecting with their roots and cultural identity.
1. Why Are Greetings and Expressions of Gratitude So Important When Teaching Vietnamese?
There’s a well-known Vietnamese saying: “A greeting is more valuable than a feast.” It reflects a deep-rooted cultural belief that greetings are more than polite gestures; they carry emotional meaning and cultural weight, often seen as more important than even hospitality or food.
In every language, “hello” and “thank you” are among the first phrases children learn. These expressions reflect key values – respect, politeness, and gratitude, which are essential to the Vietnamese way of life.
For Vietnamese children overseas, beginning their Vietnamese learning journey with simple phrases like:
- “Cháu chào ông bà / Thưa ông, thưa bà” (Hello, Grandpa and Grandma)
- “Con cảm ơn mẹ” (Thank you, Mom)
- “Cảm ơn bạn nhé!” (Thanks, my friend!)
…does more than teach words. It helps them connect emotionally with their mother tongue, encourages positive thinking and respectful behavior, and fosters a natural love for the language.
Learning through familiar phrases also makes it easier for children to remember and use Vietnamese confidently, compared to memorizing disconnected vocabulary.
2. Vietnamese Communication: A Gateway to Culture and Family Connection
Many Vietnamese children abroad understand spoken Vietnamese but hesitate to speak it out. This often creates a communication gap, especially with grandparents and relatives who don’t speak the local language.
By learning to say simple but meaningful phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” or “sorry” in Vietnamese, children can:
- Strengthen bonds within the family and community
- Express affection, politeness, and care in their daily interactions
- Preserve and celebrate Vietnamese identity in a multicultural environment
3. Start the Journey with “Lời Hay Ý Đẹp” – A Free 5-Class Vietnamese Communication Series
To help children develop confident Vietnamese communication in a supportive and joyful setting, OneSpace’s Tiếng Việt Vui Vẻ program proudly presents “Lời Hay Ý Đẹp” – a free series of five online classes specially designed for our Vietnamese children living abroad.
Program Highlights:
- Practice essential Vietnamese phrases for greetings, gratitude, apologies, and affection
- Foster a friendly, encouraging environment for children to use their mother tongue
- Instill positive values, kind communication, and a love for Vietnamese culture
Schedule:
– Now through August 31
– Eligibility: Current and former OneSpace students
– Format: Online learning with experienced Vietnamese teachers
– Tuition: Completely free of charge
4. Enroll Today – Give Your Child the Gift of Beautiful Words and Kind Expressions
Help your child build pride in their heritage, develop respectful communication skills, and learn to speak with love and meaning. The “Lời Hay Ý Đẹp” series is a gentle yet powerful start to help your child speak Vietnamese clearly, confidently, and emotionally.
Register now for your free class experience here
Explore the full Tiếng Việt Vui Vẻ program here
