Vietnamese, the official language of Vietnam, is spoken by over 90 million people and widely used across global diaspora communities, including one of the largest in California. At UCLA, Vietnamese functions both as a vital heritage language and as a gateway to Southeast Asia’s rich cultural, historical, and economic landscapes. As Vietnam’s global presence continues to expand, proficiency in Vietnamese equips students to engage meaningfully in academic, professional, and community contexts, while fostering deeper understanding of identity, migration, and transnational exchange.
Vietnamese Language at UCLA
The Vietnamese Language Program at UCLA is a dynamic part of the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, reflecting the university’s deep commitment to global learning and community connection. Rooted in both academic inquiry and the vibrant Vietnamese American presence in Southern California, the program has grown into a vital hub for language and cultural study. It offers a comprehensive sequence from beginning to advanced levels, welcoming both heritage and non-heritage learners. Through innovative teaching, dedicated faculty mentorship, and strong ties to the community, the program bridges language learning with lived cultural experience. Today, it continues to expand with a forward-looking focus on communication, cultural fluency, and real-world engagement.
Vietnamese Language Curriculum
Students in the Vietnamese Language Program will
- Develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Vietnamese
- Communicate effectively across real-life, academic, and professional contexts
- Explore the deep connections between language, identity, and culture
- Engage critically with linguistic diversity and heritage language experiences.
- Apply language skills in real-world and community-based settings
- Apply their skills beyond the classroom through meaningful community interaction
Curricular Roadmap
From first words to global fluency. Our multi-year curriculum guides students from beginner to advanced proficiency, with tailored pathways for heritage and non-heritage learners alike. Courses integrate interactive teaching, project-based learning, and authentic cultural materials, creating an immersive and meaningful experience at every level. With a focus on personalized growth, students build on their unique backgrounds while developing the linguistic and cultural competence needed to thrive in a global society.
- Introductory Vietnamese (VIETMSE 1, 2, 3)
- Introductory Vietnamese for Heritage Learners (VIETNMSE 1A, 2A, 3A)
- Intermediate Vietnamese (VIETNMSE 4, 5, 6)
- Advanced Vietnmese (VIETNMSE 100A-C)
Vietnamese Language Instructional Faculty
Chuc V. Bui
Senior Lecturer
quyendi@humnet.ucla.edu
Thu-Ba Nguyen Hoai
Senior Lecturer
Vietnamese language and linguistics
tbnguyen@humnet.ucla.edu
310-267-4656
Courses Offered in Current Academic Year
Textbooks and Learning Materials
Additional Resources
For more information about our majors, please contact the ALC Undergraduate Student Affairs Officer
Ryan Chae
Student Affairs Officer (Undergraduate)
ryan.chae@humnet.ucla.edu