Ms. Phan Thanh Huyen (5th from left) is sharing with Vietnamese students studying at Kuwait University - Photo: NVCC
Tran Anh Thinh (25 years old) is currently an exchange specialist/project manager supporting businesses at Westminster University, USA. Fluent in two popular foreign languages, English and French, Thinh still decided to learn Thai and Spanish to connect more with people and explore new civilizations and cultures.
Fate and passion
Born and raised in Da Nang, Thinh has the opportunity to meet foreign guests regularly. Sharing with us about the rare opportunity to learn a foreign language, Thinh said: "In 2019, I worked at a Burger Min Min bakery and met foreign guests.
At first, I only communicated with them in English. Gradually, as I got to know them, they taught me a few native words. Those words sparked my interest in exploring and learning new languages.
As for Chau Thi Tieu Lam - a 4th year student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Ho Chi Minh City National University), since childhood she has had a strong impression of graceful hip-shaking dances.
When filling out her university application, Tieu Lam decided to choose Indian Studies to satisfy her passion for learning about the language and culture of her host country.
"At first, my parents did not support me studying rare foreign languages. But I proved my ability through my scores and achievements.
I took the initiative to share my studies, talk about the good aspects of Hindi, and future job opportunities with my parents. Since then, they have had a different perspective on learning Hindi and supported me," Tieu Lam shared.
Tran Anh Thinh interprets for two Mexicans and an American - Photo: NVCC
Agencies and departments all have a need to recruit people who are fluent in Arabic. And the fields of import and export of goods, tourism, and labor export also recruit interpreters, so the career opportunities for those who know Arabic are very large.
Ms. Phan Thanh Huyen
Overcoming difficulties
Mastering another language is difficult, learning a language that is rarely spoken by the community is even more difficult.
Thinh shared: "When I decided to learn a new language, I outlined a clear goal and study plan. Choose a language I like and learn more about the job opportunities that language can bring."
However, Thinh also encountered many difficulties in the process of learning Thai and Spanish. He said that it took him a long time because he had not found a suitable method: "I spent time memorizing or parroting vocabulary without understanding the meaning. If I did not use it for a few days, I would forget the words."
Understanding the difficulties in the journey of approaching a new language, Thinh established the EMI-One Million Global Citizens by 2050 Community. He regularly organizes workshops to discuss topics such as effective foreign language learning skills, connection skills, and building social relationships.
Here, young people can share their experiences in learning foreign languages. At the same time, this is also a community connecting and sharing job opportunities for young Vietnamese people.
Starting a new language is never easy. Even though it is her favorite language and she already has some foundation, Tieu Lam still needs a lot of time and effort to pursue her passion.
In addition to her class time and part-time job, she took the time to study Hindi every evening. Sometimes she practiced writing, sometimes she studied vocabulary, and so diligently that sometimes Lam didn't go to bed until 3am. "Learning Hindi requires perseverance because this language has very complex tones and writing systems, and the way it is expressed and the grammar are different from English or other European languages," Tieu Lam confided.
Nong Thi Truc, a second-year student majoring in Oriental Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, is pursuing a foreign language major that is selective of students, which is Arabic Studies.
From the moment she started learning the basic characters, Truc felt it was really "difficult". "I had to learn a new alphabet, the way of writing was different, the words had to be connected together which was very difficult to remember. The pronunciation was difficult and the grammar rules were completely different from English or Vietnamese.
Reference materials or books for studying are still scarce, so I find it very difficult to speak Arabic fluently," Truc shared that she is trying very hard.
Ms. Phan Thanh Huyen, head of the Arabic department at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, said: "Students who want to learn a rare foreign language need to have the right qualities and good absorption ability to be able to continue with it for a long time.
Besides, you also need to try hard and persevere, because usually after year 1 or 2, not only Arabic but also all other rare language majors, some students will feel bored, unsuitable and change majors.
The page of Indian script that Tieu Lam practices writing every day - Photo: TU SANG
Career opportunities
Thanks to his ability to learn foreign languages well, especially rare foreign languages, Thinh has successfully won a Thai language exchange scholarship from the Department of Cooperation and Development (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand) to sponsor a Thai language scholarship at Srinakharinwirot School. In addition, he has found a stable job with a high income.
"I used to know some Thai and Spanish teachers. Thanks to being able to communicate in their native languages, I was able to connect more closely, and from there they helped me and introduced me to my current job. A rare foreign language is like a key for me to connect, be more proactive with people, and open many doors to success," Thinh shared.
For Tieu Lam, learning Indian helps her discover more about the ancient civilization, understand more about the culture as well as the rich history and traditions of India. Having more in-depth knowledge in the fields of economics, politics, history and diplomacy, this helps Tieu Lam have deeper experiences and new understandings about the world around her. She is now more confident in communicating with Indians and also actively participates in cultural activities related to this country.
Currently, job opportunities for those who study rare foreign languages are very high. In particular, Arabic studies has great career potential. This subject is receiving more and more attention as the Vietnamese Government strengthens connections and trade with the Arab region.
Workshops were held on Middle Eastern market research to develop tourism, trade, and import and export of products from Vietnam to Arabia.
According to Ms. Huyen, to achieve that goal, we need a workforce that knows Arabic and is fluent in Arabic culture, so job opportunities are very high. In fact, universities in the Middle East also pay close attention and grant many scholarships to Vietnamese students. They have many opportunities to study as well as work in the future.
Tips for learning Arabic
For Nong Thi Truc, the secret to learning a "difficult" language like Arabic is to choose the right teacher. But the most important thing is still perseverance. Every day, Truc spends two hours studying vocabulary, sets a goal of learning 10 new words per day by topic, and reviews old words, besides practicing writing and reading to get used to it, increasing her ability to remember.
In addition, Truc often watches Arabic movies or listens to talks to improve her listening skills.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhung-nguoi-tre-di-hoc-ngoai-ngu-hiem-a-rap-an-do-phan-lan-20240603095942991.htm
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