While coffee shops traditionally are places to enjoy a drink or take photos, they have become perfect spaces for young Vietnamese people passionate about learning English to practice their language skills.

One effective method to expand patrons’ vocabulary is by reading the café’s menu, especially since many of these establishments feature bilingual listings. 

It is not just about ordering ‘black coffee’ or ‘white coffee’ anymore. Customers can also encounter terms like ‘bubble milk tea’ or creative concoctions with unique names such as ‘choco volcano.’

These inventive titles provide a fun way to learn new words while enjoying a drink.

Music in coffee shops can also play a key role in language learning. 

Many cafés feature English-language songs which offer an excellent opportunity to improve pronunciation, intonation, and even linking sounds. 

Besides, the lyrics are often simple and sung in a melody, making them easier to remember and absorb than traditional textbook lessons. 

Some learners have even found success in incorporating favorite song lyrics into their writing and speaking practice, reinforcing the language in a more engaging and personal way.

Using English for communication is increasingly common. It is no surprise that many young people choose to practice their speaking skills at coffee shops. 

For beginners, ordering a drink or paying the bill can provide the necessary practice. 

Moreover, coffee shops offer a comfortable atmosphere for group work, where participants can discuss topics in English, as long as they remain mindful of others.

Many foreigners are living and working in Vietnam, making it easy for young people to find someone to converse with in English at coffee shops, which is an opportunity to improve speaking skills.

A reader of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper shared that he had joined a group of young people at a coffee shop, where they were fortunate enough to meet the owner, an American. 

It was a great opportunity for him to refresh his own English skills. 

“We had an engaging conversation about different types of coffee, information technology, and even photography tips, as the owner of the coffee shop had once worked as a professional photographer,” he recounted.

What made the experience even more interesting was meeting such dynamic young people who were not only learning how to make drinks but also practicing English communication with the guidance of the coffee shop owner, who explained the process in English.

English teaching and learning have evolved significantly over the years, with various new methods and approaches available. 

However, turning a coffee shop into an English learning environment can be an effective way for Vietnamese people to gain knowledge while also experiencing cultural exchange through language. 

*This article was originally written in Vietnamese by Le Tan Thoi and rewritten in English by Tuoi Tre News.

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