Unlock Real Vietnamese: Native Tutor, Practical Lessons, Real Situations, Helping You Achieve Your Goals

Find out more about Lam

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I speak Vietnamese fluently because it is my mother tongue. Growing up surrounded by Vietnamese literature, idioms, and daily conversations gave me a deep appreciation for the language’s richness — something I now love sharing with my students.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Hồ Chí Minh stands out as a powerful historical figure who embodies the spirit of Vietnamese culture and language. His speeches and writings reflect clarity, compassion, and national pride. I often share excerpts from his work with students to show how Vietnamese can be both poetic and persuasive — a language of heart and intellect.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  One of my favorite Vietnamese proverbs is “Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim,” which means “If you keep grinding iron, one day it will become a needle.” It reflects the Vietnamese spirit of perseverance and patience. I love how this phrase captures the belief that consistent effort, even in the face of difficulty, will eventually lead to success. It’s a beautiful reminder I often share with my students to encourage them on their language learning journey.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Vietnamese connects me to my roots, my family, and my cultural identity. But more than that, teaching it allows me to be a cultural ambassador — helping learners not just speak the language, but understand the heart behind it. It’s deeply fulfilling to see students discover the beauty of Vietnamese through both words and stories.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  The biggest challenge is mastering the tones — Vietnamese has six tones, and a small change in pitch can completely alter the meaning of a word. What helps is consistent listening practice, speaking with native speakers, and using visual aids to associate tones with emotions or gestures.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  When I was in elementary school, I once read aloud the word “bún bò” (beef noodle soup) as “bún bọ” (insect noodle soup) during a class presentation about Vietnamese cuisine. The whole class burst into laughter, and my teacher gently reminded me how a small tonal mistake could turn a delicious dish into something... less appetizing. That moment stuck with me and became one of my favorite examples to use when teaching students about the importance of tones in Vietnamese.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Traveling to different regions of Vietnam — from the North to the Mekong Delta — helped me understand the rich diversity of dialects and expressions. It gave me insight into how language reflects local customs, food, and even climate. I often share regional slang and idioms with students to help them navigate real-life conversations, whether they’re traveling or working in Vietnam

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I combine cultural storytelling, humor, and empathy in my teaching. I don’t just teach grammar — I help learners feel the rhythm, emotion, and soul of Vietnamese. I tailor each lesson to the student’s goals — whether it’s daily conversation, or cultural immersion — and I always bring warmth and patience to every session.