PROBING THE IMPACT OF TIME-RELATED FACTORS ON KOREAN LEARNERS' PROFICIENCY IN ACQUIRING THE VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE

In recent years, the interest in learning Vietnamese among foreign learners, particularly Koreans, has surged, driven by the need for effective communication and professional growth. This study examines the factors influencing Vietnamese language acquisition among 63 Korean students, comprising 38 males and 25 females, from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul and the Kmove Program at VNU University of Languages & International Studies in Hanoi. The research focuses on three key areas: placement in language classes, self-assessed linguistic capabilities, and a multiple-choice test on the verb đi ‘to go’ in directed motion constructions. This test highlights key differences between Korean and Vietnamese, serving as a valuable proficiency metric. Additionally, time-related variables such as extended exposure to a native-speaking environment (over 6 months), duration of language study (over 2 years), and early start age (under 12 years) are crucial in language acquisition. These findings aim to provide insights for teaching Vietnamese to Korean learners and other foreigners engaging with Vietnam's evolving cultural landscape.