One of my long-time teaching interests is listening in a foreign language.
Back in 2014, I went to a talk that completely changed how I thought about it — I realised most classroom listening activities test comprehension rather than teach learners how to develop their listening skills.
No wonder we’re all struggling!
Since then, I’ve changed the way I teach — and how I learn languages myself. As a learner of Vietnamese and Spanish, I’ve experienced the same frustrations my students face – like words that seem to blur together.
So this page brings together everything I’ve learned about fixing those problems and enjoying Vietnamese listening again. You’ll find practical, flexible ways to train your ear — from podcasts and videos to active listening techniques — based on real systems that work for real people with real lives.
Core Guides
1. Common Vietnamese Listening Problems (and How to Fix Them)
Pinpoint your exact issue — whether it’s tone confusion, missing linking sounds, or vocabulary gaps — and fix it with specific strategies.
2. Learn Vietnamese with Podcasts
Discover how to use podcasts properly to build vocabulary, tone awareness and comprehension.
Includes practical 4-step method, real examples and tips for shadowing and active listening.
3. Improve Your Listening by Transcribing
A proven exercise for accuracy and “ear training”. Write what you hear, check against transcripts, and notice pronunciation patterns faster.
4. Are You Practising or Improving Your Listening?
Learn the difference between passive exposure and deliberate listening — and how to move from one to the other.
Real-World Practice & Input
Where to Watch Vietnamese Videos with Subtitles
Find YouTube channels and streaming platforms with accurate subtitles — so you can listen and read to reinforce tone recognition.
Should You Watch Vietnamese Films and TV as a Beginner?
Learn when it actually helps (and when it doesn’t). A balanced guide for new learners who want exposure without overwhelm.
These guides are part of a complete path to improving your Vietnamese listening skills — from beginner exposure to confident understanding.
By Elisabeth, a language teacher and learner who’s spent over a decade helping adults build real listening confidence in Vietnamese, English and other languages.