HAIS

World Language Class from HAIS Going to Hoi An Market

Vietnamese markets have been established for thousands of years and have become a crucial part of the local culture. To understand the richness of this culture, the World Language classes VAL2 and VAL4 from HAIS organised an outing to the Hoi An market, as a part of their studies on "Famous Markets Across the 3 Regions of Vietnam". The Hoi an Market is a special destination for foreigners, tourist and Vietnamese nationals. It is considered an "everyday supermarket" for locals and is where you might find famous chefs of Hoi An sourcing fresh ingredients. HAIS students walk to Hoi An market Vietnamese as an aditional language - VAL2 & VAL4 Purposes of the Excursions 1. Observe on how Vietnamese market works 2. Pratice basic by buying, bargaining for food and fruits in Vietnamese 3. Experience and eating food in Hoi An market How did it goes? During the class outing, although all off the students speak at least two langugages, we used only Vietnamese to communicate. foreign HAIS students interact with vendors in Vietnamese The very first activity of outing was an abservation. The students looked at how people in the market work and had time to ask questions. They were surprised by how many items could be displayed at the market, with products ranging f

The Hoi an Market is a special destination for foreigners, tourist and Vietnamese nationals. It is considered an “everyday supermarket” for locals and is where you might find famous chefs of Hoi An sourcing fresh ingredients.

HAIS students walk to Hoi An market Vietnamese as an aditional language – VAL2 & VAL4

Purposes of the Excursions

1. Observe on how Vietnamese market works

2. Pratice basic by buying, bargaining for food and fruits in Vietnamese

3. Experience and eating food in Hoi An market

How did it goes?

During the class outing, although all off the students speak at least two langugages, we used only Vietnamese to communicate.

foreign HAIS students interact with vendors in Vietnamese

The very first activity of outing was an abservation. The students looked at how people in the market work and had time to ask questions. They were surprised by how many items could be displayed at the market, with products ranging from fruits and vegetables to fresh fish, prawns and traditional street food. The student also learned that fresh fruits are sold at very cheap prices in the wet market, something unique to Vietnam.

After the initial observations, the students were given some pocket money and under supervision, they budgeted and bought some vegetables such as tomatoes, chillies and eggs. They were very confident when speaking, and they even bargained with the locals at the market:

Cô ơi, bao nhiêu tiền một trái roi? (Hello miss, how much is one water apple?) – Page asked with a wide smile
4 ngàn đồng con ơi (Four thousand dong, kid) replied the stallholder.
Cho con mua 3 quả 10 ngàn được không? (Could I buy 3 for 10 thousand?) asked Page

The students learned how to close off a good deal in the market (although Vietnamese people usually ask for a price and buy in 100 grams of fruit, not one unit!).

learning to bargain Vietnamese style!

To finish the trip, we enjoyed a traditional Vietnamese meal. The market always has a diverse range of food on offer. We chose to eat Cao Lau, Mi Quang and Banh Cuon. The students enjoyed the flavours and expressed interest in making them at home. They also enjoyed delicious tropical smoothies made from mango, strawberry, guava and tomato.

buying some street food in Hoi An market

Teacher’s Reflection

Thanks to this little journey, we have given our students a deeper insight into the local market culture. The students had a chance to interact with the vendors and equip themselves with essential Hoi An life skills using good communication, problem-solving and decision-making.

Ms Chau and I truly enjoyed watching the students experience a vital part of Vietnamese culture. The Hoi An Market was certainly a highlight of the term.