Book excerpt: This is a complete course for absolute beginners. The course includes audio accompaniment, as well as a video series of pronunciation tutorials. To obtain the FREE audio and video files, please email info@learnvietnamesewithannie with proof of book purchase. In this course, you will learn around 300 fundamental words and structures that will allow you to have simple conversations about familiar topics, and to interact successfully in places like shops and restaurants. The language taught is spoken Southern Vietnamese, exactly as used by native speakers on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Over the course of 20 chapters, you will follow the story of Nam and Ha, two young people who meet at a language school in Ho Chi Minh City. Their story, illustrated in comic-book form, forms a linking structure that facilitates the effective memorization of the language items.Each chapter includes a glossary, with English translations of all the new words and phrases present in the chapter. In addition, a section entitled 'language insights' gives clear and concise explanations of word usage and grammar. The accompanying audio and video files will enable you to hone your listening skills, master your pronunciation, and thoroughly memorize the words, phrases, and structures that you need.