Characteristics of Vietnamese Phonology

Abstract

The number of individuals in the United States whose native language is Vietnamese has increased dramatically during the past decade. To work effectively with Vietnamese speakers, speech-language practitioners need to understand basic aspects of the Vietnamese language, especially the sound system, and how it differs from English. The purpose of this report is to provide basic information that can be used by practitioners to understand not only the differences between Vietnamese and English phonology, but also the influence of dialects. Characteristics of Vietnamese phonology and speech samples of three native speakers, representing the northern, central, and southern dialects, are used to illustrate information from the literature in this tutorial. Clinical Implications include considerations for assessment and intervention with Vietnamese individuals who may have a phonological disorder.