Lesson 1: Some clarification with regards to tones. For example, some people think that when they go down with a dấu huyền (or up with a dấu sắc, heavy with a dấu nặng etc etc) they need to go further down (or further up, or heavier and heavier etc etc) for each word or that they need to begin each word from the monotone position. This is not the case, if there are several words in a row with the same tone, you can just remain at the same voice position for all the words. The class put this into practice with reading the first story in the Bible Story book. Make sure you know where your monotones is (this is different for every person) and then you will know where your tones have to be in relation to your own monotone.

Lesson 2: Revision of homework from last week. Then, the class split up into 3 groups to discuss what they would answer to the following questions:

How many words do you need to know to be 100% fluent?         Answers were: Group A: 150 - Group B: 500 - Group C: 1000
Answer: 800 (Basically same words for all languages)

How many words do you need to know to the 50% fluent?         Answers were: Group A: 75 - Group B: 250 - Group C:80
Answer: 100(Basically same words for all languages)

How many words do you need to know to be 33% fluent?          Answers were: Group A: 50 - Group B: 120/180 - Group C: 8
Answer: 8(Basically same words for all languages)

Unfortunately, the 8 words you need to know to be 33% fluent are words like: I, am/is/ are, and, the, a, etc. They don't make much sense on their own. The class received the list of 100 words you need to know to become 50% fluent. Then they learnt a new technique to aid retention - Word association!

Lesson 3: The class received a list of bible characters in English then in 3 groups they used their Vietnamese bibles to find the Vietnamese equivalent.They then took turns of pronouncing these names to the class. Afterwards they received a list of Theocratic Terms (Sheet 1 and Sheet 2). Quick test on what theocratic terms the class already knew, the knew quite a lot! As a class they then went through the list provided.

Lesson 4: Going through the 5 pages of handouts. Discussion about mannerisms and why its important to know them, even if you don't want to use them yourself -They will help you to understand native Vietnamese people when they speak. Should you so choose, using these mannerisms yourself will help you to sound more native.

Lesson 5: ULG - Time. Muscle memory. Michael explained how our nerves are made of the same stuff, have the same structure as brain tissue. This means that the nerves throughout our body have the capacity for a limited amount of memory. How do we use this to our advantage when learning a language? Adding gestures to words can increase your memory retention by up to 50%! The class put this into practice with the time ULG. i.e. The class picked appropriate gestures for each of the following words Today (gesture) I (gesture) want (gesture) to eat (gesture). Make up a gesture for each of the words in the ULG, then put them together into sentences - You're now more likely to remember them!

Lesson 6: Witnessing presentation - We also used muscle memory for the witnessing presentation. The class added gestures to their presentation from last week, then using this new method gave their presentation to each other student.

Homework: as per homework sheet - you might notice a change from the homework sheet you received - just as was explained in class, Anthony has changed his homework a little. 

NOTE: Don't forget no meetings or class this coming week due to the Vietnamese Circuit Assembly (First ever complete VCA for Melbourne!) Your lessons this week IS the Circuit Assembly - enjoy!