In the context of international integration, many small traders, along with taxi and cyclo drivers, in Da Nang have learned foreign languages by themselves in a bid to woo more customers to their shops and services.

Many small traders at the Han Market are able to talk to their foreign customers in their own languages such as South Korean, Chinese and English languages.

Since running her business at the Marble Mountains Tourist Area, one of must-see places in Da Nang, Ms Tran Thi Hien who is the owner of the Thien Nhan souvenir store at this site, said she started to learn foreign languages from the simplest words such as cardinal numbers, and how to invite foreigners to visit her shop and buy goods. In addition, Hien can ask her foreign customers for unknown words when she communicates with them.

“I can speak English, Chinese, South Korean, and French, but just for communication only” she said.

In addition to tourist sites, traditional markets across the city have been crowded with foreigners.

At the Han Market, many small traders here can speak South Korean, Chinese and English with their foreign customers.

Ms Yen Nhi, the owner of a dried specialty stall at the market, said every day, the market welcomes hundreds of visitors from around the world. Small traders there are able to talk to their foreign customers in their own languages to help them to sell their products.

“If I can communicate with my foreign customers in their own languages, they will feel happier and they are willing to buy more products from my shop” Nhi noted.

Ms Lee Yang Yoon from South Korea expressed her satisfaction because she could do shopping at traditional markets across the city when she communicates with local traders in her own language.

Mr Nguyen Van Tai, Chairman of the Board of Director of the city-based New Connection Events and Tourism JSC (Necotour), underlined the necessity for tourism service providers in the city to learn foreign languages in order to communicate effectively with international visitors in in their own languages . This, also, will help them sell more products, and advertise the beautiful images of Da Nang as a beautiful, friendly, and hospitable city to international friends.

Recently, some free foreign language courses have been provided for small traders at some traditional markets in the city.

For instance, since the Son Tra Night Market opened its doors to the public in December 2018, the Son Tra authorities have offered free English communication courses to over 40 small traders operating in the market.

With these courses, trainees are taught 12 basic English lessons and common sentences with a focus on introducing their products, and the city's beauty, to foreign visitors.

In addition, two English and South Korean training courses have been organised for managers and staff of restaurants and cafes across the district.

By HA KHUE - Translated by MAI DUNG