Sing 'n Learn Vietnamese (English and Vietnamese Edition) [Paperback]

Hop Thi Nguyen (Author), Selina Yoon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 6--Introduces greetings, numbers, colors, etc. using familiar melodies so children can learn basic vocabulary and pronunciations. 22 songs accompanied by lyrics in Vietnamese. With pronunciation guide, English translations.

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Master Communications Inc; Book/CD edition (June 1998)
• Language: English, Vietnamese
• ISBN-10: 1888194197
• ISBN-13: 978-1888194197
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #226,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Books on Cassette > Children's Books > General
  • #45 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Southeast Asian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of its kind...and terribly addictive!, January 24, 2007

By 

Q. Nguyen "qtnn" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sing 'n Learn Vietnamese (English and Vietnamese Edition) (Paperback)

I bought a bunch of Vietnamese children's CDs for my Amerasian children and this was definitely the best. The vocals are exceptionally clear, the melodies catchy and beautiful, and the arrangements perfect for kids in their simplicity. The songs are a mixture of Vietnamese children's favorites and familiar Western tunes, e.g. "Twinkle Twinkle and "Frere Jacques" (though not direct translations)

My daughter is particularly enchanted with a beautifully melancholy tune about Chu Cuoi, the "man on the moon." We sometimes underestimate children's ability to appreciate complex tones and emotions in music. There are also a lot of fun witty songs, including about a mouse tricking a cat, and another about loving everyone in your (extended) family "the most."

The lyric book is simple, in English and Vietnamese. I found a few translation flubs but they're minor.

This is a must-have and I wish they would make more!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter loves it, May 4, 2007

By 

Sanders (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sing 'n Learn Vietnamese (English and Vietnamese Edition) (Paperback)

As a half-Vietnamese person, you would think that I grew up learning two languages, English and Vietnamese, but I didn't. My mother never taught us; she said it was too hard when everyone else around us, including my father, spoke only English. Now as an adult, I find myself reaching to touch my Vietnamese roots, and I wish that I could have learned to speak the language. With the birth of my daughter, I also felt the growing importance of teaching her about her Vietnamese roots as well. This book and CD is the first thing I have found that is appropriate for a toddler, and I am so glad I bought it. My two year old daughter started picking up words right away, and sometimes sings along with parts of the songs. Equally important is the fact that the actually asks to hear the CD and really likes the music, because if it isn't fun, toddlers aren't going be the willing learners that you want them to be.

The book contains translations of the songs, explanations on how to pronounce letters and words in Vietnamese, and some cute illustrations. The songs seem a little fast at first and you think you will never learn to catch up, but with repetition it gets easier, and soon you will be singing along, too!

If you are looking for a way to introduce Vietnamese to your child (or to yourself!) this is a great place to start. Vietnamese is a tonal language, and my mother says that singing is the perfect way to begin learning the tonalities. Highly recommended.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice!, March 18, 2005

By 

C. B. Neff "nightngle" (Central Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sing 'n Learn Vietnamese (English and Vietnamese Edition) (Paperback)

I almost didn't get this book and CD because of the reviews here, but I'm glad that I did get it. Perhaps the negative reviews are from the cassett version, because the CD is very good. The singing is nice, clearly understandable, and the music is very pleasant.

I do wish they would have done a slower tempo version of each song, then a normal tempo version, then just music. I do recommend it to beginners of Vietnamese and those with small children to introduce them to the language. As a tonal language, Vietnamese is easiest to learn singing and chanting.