Heritage Vietnamese
Why Heritage Vietnamese?
If you can speak and comprehend Vietnamese with your family and community, these language courses are for you! You will improve your reading and writing skills, you communicative and sociocultural competence, and your analytic understanding of the language.
Prospective Students
- There are three levels of Heritage Vietnamese based on student proficiency: regular (LIHL 114), intermediate (LIHL 124), and advanced (LIHL 134).
- LIHL 114 and LIHL 124 are offered each quarter with a different focus. LIHL 134 is offered twice a year - please check the Schedule of Classes.
- Each iteration of the course is 4 units of upper division credit and has a different area of emphasis.
- Students may take all three courses at a single level in any order.
Courses
Can LIHL Vietnamese courses count for majors, minors, GEs or language requirements?
- All LIHL Vietnamese courses are approved for a Language Studies-Vietnamese Minor or Major in the Linguistics Department
- All LIHL Vietnamese courses are approved for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies minor
- Any LIHL course will satisfy the language requirement for majors (e.g. Linguistics, International Studies) or colleges (ERC, Revelle)
- Language courses can fulfill GE requirements in Muir, Marshall, Sixth and Warren - check colleges for details
LIHL 114F - Linguistics/Vietnamese for Vietnamese Speakers
For students who speak and comprehend informal spoken Vietnamese but wish to improve their communicative and sociocultural competence and their analytic understanding. Language functions for oral communication, reading, writing, and family life/festivals; dialect and language style differences; structure and history of Vietnamese. May not receive credit for both LIHL114 and LIHL114F. Courses may be taken in any order. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; appropriate proficiency for level.
LIHL 114W - Linguistics/Vietnamese for Vietnamese Speakers
For students who speak and comprehend informal spoken Vietnamese but wish to improve their communicative and sociocultural competence and their analytic understanding. Language functions for oral communication, reading, writing, and media/arts; dialect and language style differences; structure and history of Vietnamese. May not receive credit for both LIHL114 and LIHL114W. Courses may be taken in any order. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; appropriate proficiency for level.
LIHL 114P - Linguistics/Vietnamese for Vietnamese Speakers
For students who speak and comprehend informal spoken Vietnamese but wish to improve their communicative and sociocultural competence and their analytic understanding. Language functions for oral communication, reading, writing, and entertainment/culture; dialect and language style differences; structure and history of Vietnamese. May not receive credit for both LIHL114 and LIHL114P. Courses may be taken in any order. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; appropriate proficiency for level.
LIHL 124F - Linguistics/Advanced Vietnamese for Vietnamese Speakers
This course is designed to improve oral and written skills in the context of Vietnamese domestic culture. For students with basic proficiency in spoken and written Vietnamese, but who require improvement in basic grammar, word choice, punctuation, and spelling. LIHL124F, LIHL124W, and LIHL124P may be taken in any order. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; appropriate proficiency for level.
LIHL 124W - Linguistics/Advanced Vietnamese for Vietnamese Speakers
This course is designed to improve oral and written skills in the context of Vietnamese media/arts. For students with basic proficiency in spoken and written Vietnamese, but who require improvement in basic grammar, word choice, punctuation, and spelling. LIHL124F, LIHL124W, and LIHL124P may be taken in any order. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; appropriate proficiency for level.
LIHL 124P - Linguistics/Advanced Vietnamese for Vietnamese Speakers
This course is designed to improve oral and written skills in the context of Vietnamese entertainment/culture. For students with basic proficiency in spoken and written Vietnamese, but who require improvement in basic grammar, word choice, punctuation, and spelling. LIHL124F, LIHL124W, and LIHL124P may be taken in any order. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; appropriate proficiency for level.
LIHL 134F - Linguistics/Advanced Vietnamese for Vietnamese Speakers
Instruction stresses language function required for advanced oral communication, reading, writing, and cultural understanding in professional contexts, with emphasis on domestic culture. High-level vocabulary and texts; dialect differences and formal language styles (registers). Advanced structural analysis and history of Vietnamese. LIHL134F, LIHL134W, and LIHL134P may be taken in any order. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; appropriate proficiency for level.
LIHL 134W - Linguistics/Advanced Vietnamese for Vietnamese Speakers
Instruction stresses language function required for advanced oral communication, reading, writing, and cultural understanding in professional contexts, with emphasis on media/arts. High-level vocabulary and texts; dialect differences and formal language styles (registers). Advanced structural analysis and history of Vietnamese. LIHL134F, LIHL134W, and LIHL134P may be taken in any order. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; appropriate proficiency for level.
LIHL 134P - Linguistics/Advanced Vietnamese for Vietnamese Speakers
Instruction stresses language function required for advanced oral communication, reading, writing, and cultural understanding in professional contexts, with emphasis on entertainment/culture. High-level vocabulary and texts; dialect differences and formal language styles (registers). Advanced structural analysis and history of Vietnamese. LIHL134F, LIHL134W, and LIHL134P may be taken in any order. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor; appropriate proficiency for level.
Student Events and Activities
Tết Gathering at UC San Diego
As the Lunar New Year 2026 approaches, the spirit of Tết is already vibrant and warm in all our hearts, even here so far from home. To kick off the festive season and create lasting memories together, the students in my Advanced Vietnamese Class (LIHL 134W_2026) organized an early Tết Gathering centered on culture, community, and connection on Saturday afternoon, February 7, 2026.
The event provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture through a series of traditional folk games such as “ném vòng cổ chai”, “đố câu đua bóng”, “kéo co”, “bầu cua”. These activities did more than just provide entertainment; they served as a bridge between participants, allowing everyone to bond over shared laughter and friendly competition. Whether competing in a heated round of games or simply cheering from the sidelines, the energy on the lawn was a beautiful reminder of how cultural traditions can bring people together and strengthen our Vietnamese community ties during this special time of year.
The sense of belonging was further highlighted during our potluck feast. The host team even made their own “bánh chưng” with cô Hoàn to serve at the event. From authentic Vietnamese flavors to creative homemade dishes, the spread was a testament to everyone’s generosity. Sharing these “món tủ” (signature dishes) felt like an early family reunion, where food becomes the ultimate language of care and celebration.
Beyond the games and the flavors, this gathering was about the stories shared and the new friendships formed, keeping our heritage alive and thriving right here on campus as we count down to the New Year.
Students shared overwhelmingly positive feedback after the event, describing it as “fun, exciting, and meaningful”. Many mentioned how much they enjoyed the chance to connect with others, learn about Vietnamese traditions in a hands-on way, and relive fond memories through potluck and playful games. This heartfelt response shows that our gathering was more than just an event; it was a home away from home.
Thank you to everyone for joining us. Wishing you all a prosperous and happy New Year ahead!
Vietnamese Instructor
Hoan Nguyen, Heritage Vietnamese Lecturer
Hoan Nguyen is a Vietnamese heritage language lecturer at the University of California, San Diego. Previously, she taught Vietnamese at the Department of Asian and Middle East Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Department of Indo-Pacific Languages and Literature at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she shared her expertise and passion for the language with students. Learn more about her at hoantn.net
Resources
View Sample Course Syllabi (PDF):
Additional Resources:
- Explore Study Abroad opportunities with accredited universities in Vietnam through the Opportunities Abroad Program
- Linguistics Major - Language Studies: The Language Studies major provides students with a solid foundation in linguistics combined with the study of Vietnam.
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies Minor
Course Reserves and Independent Language Learning:
Contact Us
Rachel Pekras, Language Program Coordinator & Advisor
(858) 822-2711
rpekras@ucsd.edu
Elham Sadegholvad, Heritage Language Program Academic Coordinator
esadegholvad@ucsd.edu