Street vendors speaking five languages inspire Gen Z to learn foreign languages

A video recently shared by TikToker Nhan Di An (@nhandian) during a trip to Hoi An has taken social media by storm. Rather than showcasing local specialities, the clip captivated viewers with a roadside tofu vendor effortlessly communicating with customers in Thai, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and English.

Although the vendor modestly described her language ability as "just a little", she impressed viewers by using each language to greet customers, introduce her menu, and recommend popular dishes. Her confidence and practical communication skills sparked admiration, and even a touch of self-reflection, among many young people online.

Comments flooded social media, with users joking that today's job market requires more than bilingualism. Others remarked that they had suddenly found the motivation to study foreign languages.

The TikToker himself expressed surprise, wondering whether multilingual street vendors were common in Hoi An. Many travellers confirmed that they are.

As one of Vietnam's most popular international destinations, Hoi An is well known for vendors who communicate fluently with foreign visitors in English and several Asian languages, particularly those selling souvenirs, clothing, and local food.

Many internet users also shared similar experiences of encountering older street vendors speaking Korean, Chinese, Russian, and other languages to welcome tourists, praising their determination to learn despite having little formal education.

The Hoi An story follows another viral sensation from September 2025. Mai, a fruit vendor in Nha Trang, gained international attention after a foreign tourist posted a video of her singing a catchy self-composed song in English while selling fruit along the beach.

Using simple English words such as "mango", "pineapple", "banana", and "watermelon", Mai turned her sales pitch into an infectious tune beginning with "Hello, is it me you're looking for?"

The video spread rapidly across social media and even caught the attention of musician David Scott of The Kiffness, who created a musical remix that attracted nearly four million views on YouTube. Street vendor in Nha Trang sings in English attracting 40 million views.

Many observers believe these stories demonstrate an effective form of customer service. By learning basic foreign languages, street vendors make international visitors feel welcomed and respected while creating enjoyable and memorable travel experiences.

The examples have also prompted calls for more small businesses and street vendors to embrace language learning as a way to enhance Vietnam's tourism image. Combined with quality products, fair pricing, and friendly service, such efforts can strengthen the country's reputation as a welcoming destination.

For many members of Generation Z, these viral stories have become more than entertaining social media content. They serve as a reminder that fluency does not always require perfect grammar or an extensive vocabulary.

Confidence, daily practice, and a willingness to communicate can transform ordinary street vendors into inspiring examples of global-minded entrepreneurship.

(Source: hoahoctro.tienphong.vn)