learning vietnamese in vancouver.

[flight_from_kamakura]

it just occurred to me that someone on this board may have a good idea about who might be offering vietnamese lessons in the city. here's what i'm looking for, ideally:

- a native speaker instructor (north, centre, south accent - doesn't matter)
- a structured course of some sort, with a textbook
- an aggressive pace
- something affordable

pretty much the basics. day or night is okay, i have a flexible schedule. i'm traveling around until february 1st, so a start some time (soon) after that would be great. i was thinking community centres or viet organizations may have some programs, but i'm not finding too much. neither of the colleges seem to offer anything either, nor any of the community schools (tried vcc and langara, are there others that might?).

can anyone think of anything? like out of someone's home or something?

[raggedy13]

No idea here, but good luck in your search.

[nova9]

I don't have an answer but just thought that i'd share the fact that the VSB wanted to offer Vietnamese 10 at some secondary schools but there wasn't enough enrollment.

I assume you've checked continuing studies at VSB or langara?

[twoNeurons]

Originally Posted by flight_from_kamakura

it just occurred to me that someone on this board may have a good idea about who might be offering vietnamese lessons in the city. here's what i'm looking for, ideally:

- a native speaker instructor (north, centre, south accent - doesn't matter)
- a structured course of some sort, with a textbook
- an aggressive pace
- something affordable

pretty much the basics. day or night is okay, i have a flexible schedule. i'm traveling around until february 1st, so a start some time (soon) after that would be great. i was thinking community centres or viet organizations may have some programs, but i'm not finding too much. neither of the colleges seem to offer anything either, nor any of the community schools (tried vcc and langara, are there others that might?).

can anyone think of anything? like out of someone's home or something?

I might be able to help. I know someone who used to run a class, but it was quite specialized. I'll ask them if they want to do some teaching.

As an alternative, Pimsleur audio tracks are usually very good for learning basic elements of a language.

This may also help:
http://survivalphrases.com/vietnamese/guest.php

[DKaz]

My wife and son and I are going to Vietnam Feb 5th and I'm giving her a crash course on Vietnamese right now. If you don't find anything structured soon enough, I can give you a few noon hour courses on basic phrases. My wife borrowed a book from the library, those Lonely Planet type books that have survival phrases in the back and I could just teach you those with the correct pronunciation. If I prove to be helpful to you, you can pay me with a $4.75 Chicken Teriyaki at Robson Public Market lol.

[twoNeurons]

I know how to say "Vietnamese meat Sub" that with a slightly different pronunciation sounds like "Human Meat Sub"

Something like:
"Banh Mi Thit Ngoy" or "Banh Mi Thit Nguoi"

[DKaz]

I always go for a Banh Mi Dac Biet.

But for my pho, I always go for a Pho Chin Nam Gan Sach.

Originally Posted by twoNeurons

I know how to say "Vietnamese meat Sub" that with a slightly different pronunciation sounds like "Human Meat Sub"

Something like:
"Banh Mi Thit Ngoy" or "Banh Mi Thit Nguoi"

Bwahahahahaha! For everyone's information:

Banh Mi = Sandwich (or bread)
Thit = Meat
Nguoi = Person (Human)

[flight_from_kamakura]

wow, thanks guys. i await the good news.

[AMRivlin]

Did anyone ever find a course/teacher. I would like to take advantage and learn myself. (In the Vancouver Region)