Vietnamese is the national language, which is spoken by practically all the locals there. It orginates from Austro-Asiatic languages, and is influenced by the Sino-Tibetan Tai language. Chu nho, a chinese Han script has been used before they created their own script called chu nom in the 13th century. In the 17th century, on the initiative of a French priest, Alexandre de Rhodes, the language was translated into its present romanised form, known as Quoc Ngu.
Pronouciation
In Quoc Ngu, it is indicated by five diacritical marks & an unmarked tone. The six tones are namely the low rising, high rising, low broken, high broken, mid level and low falling.
As it is a romanized alphabet, people of western countries may be able to "read" vietnamese when they see them on signs etc, but they wont understand much even if they think they know what the words mean.
This is because nearly every word can be pronouced in six different ways to convey six different meanings. Eg: The word ba can mean three, grandmother, poisoned food, waste, aunt or any, based on different markings of the word.
It is difficult to pronouce and understand than other many languages that use romanzied alphabet, which do not have tones and are based on latin like french and spanish.
Other languages used
French is still spoken by older generations, especially in Hanoi, whereas Russian or Mandarin Chinese are increasingly spoken by the young adults in the capital. Not to miss out English which is increasingly spoken by young people throughout the whole country, particular the south whereby English levels are the highest.
Tips: Useful phrases for you!
- Hello - Xin Chao
- Please - Xin Moi
- Thank you - Cam on (sounds like chinese 感恩, which means gratitude from the heart)
- Yes/No - Da/com
- How much does it costs? - Bao nee-oh tien? (for shopping fanatics)
Literature
Since coming to its existence, classical vietnamese literature are rich in folklores, proverbs, coming from myths and legends passed down from generations to generations by the different ethnic groups. Being the soul and vital power of the nation, classical literature known as folk literature has further grown through the processes of labour, activity, construction as well as the struggle of the people over the years.
Vietnamese literary tradition has undergone several transitions over the years into modern literature as it evolved through the wars and other historic events. Some of the best 20th-century Vietnamese literature are written by Vietnamese living abroad. Not to miss out, Tale of Kieu, a 3254-verse epic poem, written by 18th century author Nguyen Du, earns the title of the best-known piece of writing in Vietnam.
Credits:
Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City smart guide by discovery channel
Vietnam tourism by Arthur AsaBerger
Journey thorugh Hanoi by Quek Ling Xiang
Vietnamese literary tradition has undergone several transitions over the years into modern literature as it evolved through the wars and other historic events. Some of the best 20th-century Vietnamese literature are written by Vietnamese living abroad. Not to miss out, Tale of Kieu, a 3254-verse epic poem, written by 18th century author Nguyen Du, earns the title of the best-known piece of writing in Vietnam.
Credits:
Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City smart guide by discovery channel
Vietnam tourism by Arthur AsaBerger
Journey thorugh Hanoi by Quek Ling Xiang
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