Learn Vietnamese(or any language)

[CraigCam 0]

I thought some of you might find this helpful, as I did. It's a great language program that is easy, fun and free(trial version). I downloaded the free trail version, called BYKI Lite, and was amazed at how extensive it was.

It uses a very effective flash card system of learning words and phrases. There is a built in key mapper that allows you to type the words in Vietnamese with the proper accents. The best thing about it is that it plays recordings of the words and phrases being spoken in Vietnamese as you learn them. So, not only do you learn to read and write Vietnamese, but speak it as well.

My fiancee gets a kick out of me surprising her with new phrases everyday and she is so excited that I will be able to speak with her parents the next time I go back to VN. I'm talking huge brownie points here, folks. I fully intend on purchasing the upgrade, only $49, once I've mastered most of the lists provided with the Lite version. If you do download the Lite version, be sure to return to the website and downlaod any additional free lists, especially one named "Useful Expressions".

Here is the link: BKYI Lite

I asked but unfortunately they don't offer a version to help Vietnamese speaking individuals learn English. My fiancee speaks English fairly well, enough for us to communicate, but she would like to expand her vocabulary and practice pronunciation. If anyone knows of a good language tool that offers Vietnamese-->English, let me know.

[patricks 0]

Hi Craig,

I really liked your photos, they bring back lots of memories

I think you'll have no problem with the whole visa process: use common sense, cross your T's & dot your I's, and be patient.

Good Luck!

P

[PeterFB 0]

Craig

I have BYK lite too. I find it helpful but I haven't upgraded yet. I'm still using Pimsleur's Vietnamese CD course since I find it best to help hear and speak Vietnamese. They also have English as a second language for Vietnamese speakers. Http://www.pimsleur.com is their website. They also offer specials and a "free trial" on the courses. You can pay less than the retail listed on their site with a little looking.

Before I met Thi, I was trying to learn Spanish and upgraded to the full Spanish version since I live in So. California. Then I met Thi........and have been spending my time learning Vietnamese.

If she has a Windows computer there are several programs for learning English if you know Vietnamese and there are English <-> Vietnamese Dictionaries as well. I have a Mac so I don't know about them but a search will find them for you.

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11

I-129F RFE(s) :

RFE Reply(s) :

I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26

Touched: 2007-11-02

NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16

Consulate recieved ??????

Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11

Packet 3 received 2007-12-24

Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28

Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14

Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23

Interview Date 2008-2-27

Passed Interview 2008-02-27

Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05

Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier)

POE 2008-03-05 LAX

[Melrose Plant 1]

My fiancee gets a kick out of me surprising her with new phrases everyday and she is so excited that I will be able to speak with her parents the next time I go back to VN. I'm talking huge brownie points here, folks.

I'm so happy to hear you're having a great time learning Vietnamese. But we're talking much more than mere brownie points, my brother. It is my opinion that you can never really know your wife until you at least make a serious effort to learn her native language. You'll suddenly realize so many things you never thought of before. The fog will begin to lift, so to speak.

I can SPEAK Vietnamese very well, I am told. My problem is I can't UNDERSTAND what people are saying to me, unless they are painfully slow and simple. I do very well with what I call "1.5 way translation." I talk with my fiancee's mother in this way most of the time (I speak to her directly, but Mai often has to translate what her mother has said for me). I am disappointed in myself, but I'm doing my best. I just can't yet understand.

Good luck to you.

[Jasman0717 9]

[ILoveTan 0]

My fiancee gets a kick out of me surprising her with new phrases everyday and she is so excited that I will be able to speak with her parents the next time I go back to VN. I'm talking huge brownie points here, folks.

I'm so happy to hear you're having a great time learning Vietnamese. But we're talking much more than mere brownie points, my brother. It is my opinion that you can never really know your wife until you at least make a serious effort to learn her native language. You'll suddenly realize so many things you never thought of before. The fog will begin to lift, so to speak.

I can SPEAK Vietnamese very well, I am told. My problem is I can't UNDERSTAND what people are saying to me, unless they are painfully slow and simple. I do very well with what I call "1.5 way translation." I talk with my fiancee's mother in this way most of the time (I speak to her directly, but Mai often has to translate what her mother has said for me). I am disappointed in myself, but I'm doing my best. I just can't yet understand.

Good luck to you.

Don't despair - I was the same way when learning Vietnamese and supposedly, I am some awesome freak of nature at learning it. I couldnt understand a THING but could speak pretty well..... have her say the same things over and over and over to you - the questions people most frequently ask you and someday, it will just click. I have been to VN 5 times and really this is the first time I can UNDERSTAND and not just SPEAK - the more you like, love and UNDERSTAND the language, the more it will sink in. It's not brain surgery, but it runs a close second! ;-)

Linda