One reasons why I joined this program was to improve my writing skills, so I have delved into writing since the beginning. Typing is quite difficult in Vietnamese because of all the tone markings and diacritics and the combination of the two so I prefer to write free hand. However, given that my main method of communication is through the internet, I try to learn to type more often to become more familiarized with the typing pattern of the language. I found that using the phone’s keyboard is much easier in comparison to the computer’s keyboard. I can easily show and hide character variations on the phone whereas on the computer, I have to use different letter combinations to get the desired character.
One interesting thing I have noticed since I picked up writing again is that in Vietnamese, “Q” is never used alone. It is always used as part of the digraph “Qu” [/w/] such as quay (spin), quán (store), quen (familiar), quần (pants), et cetera. Another pattern that I noticed was that unlike English, Vietnamese’s writing is separated by syllables rather than words. Sometimes that makes it difficult to distinguish between short words and syllables.
My knowledge of parts of speech and agreement affect make me more conscious about the way I write. I realized that the way I write is very different from the way native Vietnamese users write (even though I’m also a native lol). My writing is very formal and stiff, unlike other natives. If I write like natives, I have to leave things out to make it sounds more natural but then it doesn’t really show that what I did was more stylistic rather than a lack of knowledge.
Unfortunately, while I have some article translations that I used to do for practice, I do not have access to them because they are at school. Ever since I came home, I’ve pretty much stopped with the translation and just started reading Vietnamese newspaper instead. I did found a short Line conversation (me complaining about my parents) between me and my cousin that kind of showcased my writing thus far.
Replies
Hi Han,
Alike to your goal, one of my reasons for taking this course was also to practice my writing in Korean. Although Korean seems to be easier to type and write than Vietnamese (we don't have tones), I also think typing on the phone is easier than on the computer as it feels more convenient and compact. This post was so relatable because I am also, technically, a native Korean speaker. Despite this fact, I also have a more formal and stiff writing style. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Han!
This screenshot is so cool! That's a really long paragraph you wrote and it looks pretty impressive. I have seen Vietnamese written before but I didn't realize how many different tone markings, diacritics, and combinations of the two you have to use. I agree that typing in a foreign language with such different characters than English is pretty difficult on a computer. I also prefer to write freehand in Korean but the iPhone keyboards do make typing easier. I also think it's really cool that you picked up on a pattern just from writing in Vietnamese. Reading a newspaper is such great practice. I actually have a Korean newspaper at home with me that I bought in Koreatown in NYC and I'm slowly trying to sound the words out in it. Seeing your text is a great testament to your skills and the effort you've put into the SDLC program. Awesome job, Han!
Han,
Thank you for sharing your writing. Although I have no idea what is being said, it's amazing to see that you can write so much. I have also found my phones keyboard to be much easier than the keyboard on the computer for Korean. It's interesting that you mention “Q” is never used alone in Vietnamese and is always used as part of the digraph. In Korean, there is a similar situation with ㅇ (ieung) which is always attached to other vowel and consonants,. By itself, it is not pronounced at all. I totally understand how the knowledge of all parts of speech and agreement can make you more conscious, however I think it's awesome that you have a strong base in the fundamentals. I hope you are able to continue to practice writing soon! Thank you for sharing the sample, nice work!