As an environmental dialect, the best way to learn Southern Vietnamese is to be born in a household that speaks Southern Vietnamese. When that is not an option, the next best way to learn Southern Vietnamese is in an Online Vietnamese Language Course. One can also learn to appreciate such a uniquely complex language by learning some of the history and culture of Vietnam. Since Northern Vietnamese is considered the standard dialect of Vietnam, it can be used as a basis for learning the differences found in the Southern Vietnamese Dialect.
Ho Chi Minh City
If you are living in Ho Chi Minh City, the best way to learn Southern Vietnamese will depend on how committed you are to learning the language. One option is to start a self-study course that teaches you how to read and speak Southern Vietnamese on your own. Once you are speaking and reading, reach for a better understanding by building your vocabulary. Practice speaking and listening to local Southern Vietnamese speakers or get a local tutor. Once your confidence is built, you can start learning the grammar rules either actively or passively.
Living Outside Vietnam
Many people have different learning styles. While I typically learn well by listening, this was definitely not the best way to learn Southern Vietnamese for me. After listening to a popular language audio course almost everyday for months, I finally had to admit to myself that I had not really learned anything!
Immediately, I stopped the audio course and learned all the rules of speaking Northern Vietnamese first. Interestingly, once I learned the rules of speaking the Northern Vietnamese Dialect, I could read and speak Northern Vietnamese quite well in a relatively short period of time. So, learning the Southern Vietnamese dialect is just about learning the environmental language shifts. Then, continue vocabulary building, improving listening skills, and applying grammar rules. You can use Vietnamese Flashcards to start memorizing and practicing basic vocabulary.
Once you get to this point, endeavor to listen to a Southern Vietnamese speakers everyday to train your listening skills. Practice reading and/or singing Vietnamese songs everyday if you are not able to make conversation with a Vietnamese speaker everyday. These are just tips and suggestions. Jump in to see for yourself the best way to learn Southern Vietnamese in our Online Vietnamese Language Course.
VIETNAMESE NOTES 