Loa: Recent Episodes
Loa
Loa /'lwä/ noun. Vietnamese for loudspeaker
Loa is a podcast that explores the ideas and stories that shape Việt Nam today. We amplify the voices you need to hear and broadcast the perspectives you haven’t heard.
Today we’ll be bringing you a summary of the events that have been unfolding in Đồng Tâm, a commune of Hà Nội. Just short of the Lunar New Year, a deadly clash broke out. Reports of police and civilian deaths circulated among Vietnamese netizens, but without confirmation, the facts have been difficult to track down. Chris Lê has the five things you need to know about what happened in Đồng Tâm.
Loa Theme: Kontinuum - Aware Closing music: Blue Dot Sessions - Dirty Wallpaper
Trong chương trình tuần này, Will Nguyễn trở lại với Loa để cùng Quyên Ngô phỏng vấn cựu tù nhân lương tâm Nguyễn Đặng Minh Mẫn.
Trong cuộc trao đổi, cả hai người chia sẻ những trải nghiệm trong tù. Trong chương trình, chị Minh Mẫn kể những câu chuyện chưa từng chia sẻ. Mời các bạn lắng nghe!
On this week's episode (conducted in Vietnamese), Will Nguyễn joins Quyên Ngô with an interview with former prisoner of conscience Nguyễn Đặng Minh Mẫn.
In an intimate conversation, both share their experiences in prison, with Minh Mẫn recounting stories that she has never shared before. We invite you to listen!
It’s been just a little over a year since Will Nguyễn was released from prison in Vietnam. Will was arrested for his participation in protests surrounding the 99 year land lease and Cybersecurity law. One year later, Loa’s Quyên Ngô sits down with Will to have a conversation about his arrest and time in prison, how he sees the democracy movement, and his overall hopes for Việt Nam.
Music used in the episode: Blue Dot Sessions - Lina My Queen Blue Dot Sessions - Stack Me Up
In the early 2000’s, skateboards began to appear on the streets of Việt Nam. Today, it has grown in popularity, forming its own subculture. But youth are finding it difficult to skate due to a lack of space and public acceptance. Our reporter, Tứ Tiểu Tâm, a passionate skater of over 11 years, hit the streets of Việt Nam to learn more.
Read our story: https://www.loa.fm/our-stories/skateboarding-in-vietnam
Opening & Closing Music: Keegan DeWitt - Yik Yak no. 2 A Look Inside Music: Nkato - Chill Soul Rap Instrumental
People asking you if you've been keeping up with the protests in Việt Nam...and you haven’t been? No worries, we’ve got you covered, and then some! Here's Quyên Ngô with the headlines for June 2018.
Episode Opening & Closing Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Shift of Currents
June 30, 2018
As our team was busy with traveling in May, we unearth two segments from our archives for today’s episode.
June 4th marks the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Nearly three decades later, in 2017, protest leaders of Tiananmen advised a young Joshua Wong in Hong Kong as he sat in jail. Loa’s reporter Kathy Triệu was fortunate to interview Wong, one of the leaders of the Umbrella Movement, before he was jailed. This On the Record aired in August 2016.
How can a handmade, children’s toy become both a form of solace and resistance in jail? We revisit a story about dolls made in prison in this Solitary Envoi. This segment was produced by Quyên Ngô in December 2016.
Air date: June 4, 2018
Sauce: https://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-81
In our first episode of the 2018 season and coinciding with Loa’s third year anniversary, we feature our newest reporter Thúy Vi Cao. In this week's Vietnamism, she explores the meaning of “black” in Black April and examines all that colors our understanding of victory, tragedy, and trauma.
In Solitary Envoi, we re-visit a reading and interpretation of Tổ Quốc Gọi Tên, a poem about one’s love for the motherland. This segment is produced by Quyên Ngô and originally aired on our very first episode.
Air date: April 30, 2018
Opening music: Guitar version of Lới Lơ, played by Thu Lệ Closing music: Gillicuddy - Adventure, Darling Vietnamism intro: Sự Sống Thay Đổi on guitar Vietnamism outro: Biển Nhớ on guitar
Web: https://soundcloud.com/loa_fm/ep-80
43 years have passed since the end of the Vietnam War. The 30th of April holds multiple meanings for Vietnamese people -- and like many facets of Vietnamese identity, there are no hard truths. Referred to by many as Reunification Day, for others, April 30th is also known as Black April. In this episode’s Vietnamism, Loa’s newest reporter Thúy Vi Cao explores the meaning of “black” in Black April. Her segment examines all that colors our understanding of victory, tragedy, and trauma.
Music credits: Intro: Sự Sống Thay Đổi guitar Outro: Biển Nhớ guitar
Air date: April 30, 2018
We bring you the last of our series about the 2018 Internet Freedom Festival in Valencia, Spain. A gathering of technologists, activists, journalists, and civil society actors, the IFF brought together over 1,200 people from 130 countries for one week, March 5th to the 9th. This year’s attendees made up the most diverse edition to date.
Quyên Ngô talks to Melanio Escobar of Humano Derecho Radio Estacion of Venezuela. Kathy Triệu brings us a conversation with Gaba Rodriguez about building feminist infrastructure.
Air date: April 17, 2018 Link: https://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-79
Opening & Closing Music: A. A. Aalto - Balloons Rising Melanio Escobar Opening Music: Dischord - Obligado a Dejar Melanio Escobar Closing music: Zombies No - Sing Song Gaba Rodriguez Opening Music: Sunsearcher - Latin Rhythm
At the 2018 Internet Freedom Festival, Loa had a special opportunity to meet with and learn from people amplifying the stories from other countries. Quyên Ngô met with Melanio Escobar of Humano Derecho Radio Estacion of Venezuela. They talk about what it’s like to broadcast a 24/7 mix of punk rock and human rights, often in the midst of a national crisis.
Link: https://www.loa.fm/our-stories/melanio-escobar
Appears in: Episode 79 Air date: April 17, 2018
Opening Music: Dischord - Obligado a Dejar Closing music: Zombies No - Sing Song
Since the very beginning of computer science history, women have played key roles in programming and software development. Programming isn't a male or female job, yet these days only one in four computing jobs is held by a woman. The tech industry’s lack of gender and racial diversity is often a major discussion point every year at the Internet Freedom Festival.
Kathy Triệu brings us a conversation with Gaba Rodriguez, who is a computer engineer working to build feminist infrastructures to solve these problems. Gaba is also a member of the IFF’s Code of Conduct team -- ensuring the festival was safe and welcoming for all participants.
Appears in: Episode 79 Air date: April 17, 2018 https://www.loa.fm/our-stories/gaba-rodriguez
Opening Music: Sunsearcher - Latin Rhythm
Loa was one of the many partners of the 2018 Internet Freedom Festival in Valencia, Spain. A gathering of technologists, activists, journalists, civil society actors, the IFF brought together over 1,200 people from 130 countries for one week, March 5-9. This year’s attendees made up the most diverse edition to date. As part of a special Loa series, we present to you some of the voices of the IFF.
A Look Inside: Vietnam Cyber Dialogue On the Record: Han Hui Hui
Published: April 3, 2018 Online: https://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-78
Music credits: Episode intro & outro: A. A. Aalto - Balloons Rising Transition music: A. A. Aalto - Mosey
In this week’s A Look Inside, Loa's Chí-Linh Đinh explores the roots of Hanoi Pride, and how it frames the young - but bright - future of the queer community in Vietnam.
Plus, a web exclusive series of a journey throughout Việt Nam on motorbike.
Published: October 24, 2017
In this week’s A Look Inside, Loa's Chí-Linh Đinh explores the roots of Hanoi Pride, and how it frames the young - but bright - future of the queer community in Vietnam.
In our last modern refugee story, Loa’s Kathy Triệu shared with us how Thủy Nguyễn, a savvy millennial, fled persecution in Việt Nam for freedom in the United States. This time, Kathy is back with another modern refugee story -- one that chronicles the journey of two strong-willed Vietnamese mothers, Trần Thị Lụa and Trần Thị Thanh Loan. They recount how several attempts to flee Việt Nam for Australia led them instead to a detention center in Indonesia.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/asylum-seekers Published July 19, 2017
Vietnamism is our segment explaining the alluring parts of Vietnamese culture. This week, we talk about an ornament of choice for many Vietnamese men and women -- made of a stone that’s as vibrantly colored as the rice fields of Vietnam.
Published June 5, 2017 in Episode 75.
Loa's Nhụy Nguyễn has gathered a list of some headlines you may have missed: a prominent blogger is sentenced to 10 years in prison, 10,000 Vinasun taxi drivers are trying to protest Uber and Grab, and more. Tune in now!
Published June 5, 2017 in episode 75.
Things To Know: Việt Nam News Roundup Are you behind on the news? No worries. Loa's Nhụy Nguyễn has gathered a list of some of the headlines you may have missed.
Vietnamism: The Secrets of Jade Jade has been used for more than 7000 years. It has a special meaning throughout Asia. Not only is it an artistic expression, it is also a recurring symbol in religion, philosophy and literature. In this week’s Vietnamism, Tiffany Lý explores the significance of the jade bracelet in Việt Nam and explains how to choose the perfect one for you.
A Vietnamese educator who has been prevented from teaching, now finds the last part of his identity stripped from him: His Vietnamese citizenship. Professor Phạm Minh Hoàng learned out of the blue earlier this month that Việt Nam’s president had decided to take away his citizenship. The 62-year-old is a prominent blogger who writes about human rights, social justice, and corruption in Việt Nam. He’s a member of the pro-democracy party Việt Tân -- Loa is a project of Việt Tân. Hoàng, who holds dual French-Vietnamese citizenship, is now at risk of being exiled to France at any moment. In this episode, he goes On The Record from Sài Gòn with Loa’s contributing reporter Lilly Nguyễn.
Published June 19, 2017
One Vietnamese Central Committee member gets ousted, while another top leader goes to DC. If you’ve gotta catch up with the news, tune in for a roundup of headlines that’s got Vietnamese people abuzz.
Air Date: June 5, 2017
Loa contributor Lilly Nguyễn speaks to Chef Andrea Nguyễn about phở and her new publication The Pho Cookbook.
Walk down any street in Việt Nam or step into any Vietnamese restaurant in the world and you can’t miss the aroma of phở filled with ginger, star anise, and of course that hint of nước mắm - fish sauce. The go-to dish for everything from heartache to hangover, phở is more than just a noodle soup -- it represents the heart and soul of Vietnamese cooking. In this week’s A Look Inside, Loa’s Jenny Lý and contributing reporter Lilly Nguyễn chat with each other about all things phở. Let's listen in!
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/pho101 Published May 24, 2017 in Episode 72
What's in the broth? We're exploring Việt Nam's most iconic noodle soup dish.
And we're revisiting our piece on the urban myth surrounding MSG -- the controversial stuff that sometimes goes in the broth.
Picture yourself holding a pen. Put that pen up to an imaginary piece of paper on an imaginary desk and pretend to start writing. Which hand did you use? The hand that you picked to write is your dominant hand, and the choice you make is called handedness.
Most likely, you put up your right hand. A small percentage of you would have put up your left. If you are in an Asian country, let’s say Việt Nam, it would be an even smaller percentage.
So why is this? Loa’s Chí-Linh Đinh was wondering the same thing, so she tries get to the bottom of handedness in Việt Nam.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/handedness Published May 9, 2017 in Episode 71.
On The Record With Quyên Lưu, One of Việt Nam’s Emerging Young Leaders On May 4, the U.S. Department of State hosted its annual Emerging Young Leaders Award. Among the 10 award recipients was Quyên Lưu, a YouTube sensation and social advocate from Việt Nam.
Loa contributing reporter Nhựt Phó attended the award ceremony and spoke with Quyên about the origin story of Ếch Phu Hồ, her team's Youtube channel of cleverly narrated, controversial hand-drawn animations.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/quyen-luu Published May 9, 2017 in Episode 71.
On The Record With Quyên Lưu, One of Việt Nam’s Emerging Young Leaders On May 4, the U.S. Department of State hosted its annual Emerging Young Leaders Award. Among the 10 award recipients was Quyên Lưu, a YouTube sensation and social advocate from Việt Nam.
Loa contributing reporter Nhựt Phó attended the award ceremony and spoke with Quyên about the origin story of Ếch Phu Hồ, her team's Youtube channel of cleverly narrated, controversial hand-drawn animations.
Vietnamism: Lefties Get Left Out...But Why? Picture yourself holding a pen. Put that pen up to an imaginary piece of paper on an imaginary desk and pretend to start writing. Which hand did you use? The hand that you picked to write is your dominant hand, and the choice you make is called handedness. Most likely, you put up your right hand. A small percentage of you would have put up your left. If you are in an Asian country, let’s say Việt Nam, it would be an even smaller percentage.
So why is this? Loa’s Chí-Linh Đinh was wondering the same thing, so she tries get to the bottom of handedness in Việt Nam.
Air date: May 9, 2017.
Through the Lens: Nick Út on the Narratives and Photography of the Việt Nam War Quyên Ngô chats with Nick Út, one of the most famous Vietnamese photographers, as he reflects on the visual interpretation of war in Việt Nam, 42 years after its conclusion.
Rewind: Five News Stories to Know for April Giang Nguyễn rounds up some of Vietnam’s big headlines this month.
Air Date: April 27, 2017
This month, many in Việt Nam are remembering a more recent stain in the country’s history. And the Vietnamese government is trying to stop the spread of fake news…at least that’s what they claim. Loa’s Giang Nguyễn rounds up the news from April you need to know, fast.
Air Date: April 27, 2017
How much can words, and photos, be twisted through interpretation, propaganda, and history? In 1972, Nick Út, a photographer for the Associated Press, took a picture that changed the course of the war, of his life, as well as the life of Phan Thị Kim Phúc, the young girl in that photo. Her skin had burned off her body after a napalm bomb was dropped onto her village. The “Napalm Girl” became emblazoned in history as the face of the Việt Nam war.
Now, 45 years after the iconic photo was captured, and 42 years after the end of the war, Nick Út has retired from his career as an AP photojournalist. In this week’s episode, he goes On the Record with Loa's Quyên Ngô about the lessons he's learned as a war photographer, and not just as the man behind a photo.
Air Date: April 27, 2017
In episode 69, we catch up with Mong Palatino, Southeast Asia Editor of Global Voices, and Jonathan McCully, Legal Officer at the Media Legal Defence Initiative at the Internet Freedom Festival to discuss "Best Practices for Activists" -- more specifically, resources for activists in Việt Nam.
This is the second of two segments filmed and recorded at the Internet Freedom Festival in Valencia, Spain. Loa led training sessions on podcasting at this gathering of technologists, journalists, activists, and civil society actors.
Episode 69. Air date: March 20, 2017
The Loa team spent a week in Valencia, Spain at the Internet Freedom Festival -- a gathering of technologists, journalists, activists, and civil society actors. But before the start of the festival, the first ever Vietnam Cyber Dialogue (VCD) took place. We sat down with VCD organizer (and Loa co-editor) Trinh Nguyễn, along with Ella Gancarz of The 88 Project to chat about this special event focused on improving access to information and greater freedom of expression in Vietnam.
Episode 68. Air date: March 20, 2017
What happened in Việt Nam this February? We've got you covered in our February News Review. And: Food safety has always been an issue of concern. Now, after the fish crisis, the concerns have heightened.
Air Date: February 28, 2017
Another month has come and gone. As usual, we perused the news for you to find the top five stories you need to know. Kathy Triệu has our February News Review.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/2017-february-news-review Published in Episode 69 | February 28, 2017
When it comes to food safety regulation, the Vietnamese government doesn’t have the best track record. Now after the fish crisis, concerns are higher than ever. In today's episode, Loa’s Nguyễn Linh Chi takes a look inside the controversial topic of food safety in Việt Nam - with a special focus on the conditions after Formosa’s toxic spill in the central region.
Air Date: February 28, 2017
Valentine's Day just passed and Việt Nam is one of the countries that embrace this day as a celebration of couples. While it is not as large as, say, Women’s day (which we covered in episode 43), the western holiday has started to get more popular in the country. There is lots of flirting, flowers, and lovin’ for the couples in Việt Nam. In this week's episode Chí-Linh Đinh covers the in's and out's of flirting in the Vietnamese language, especially how to do it in the modern age.
A popular sport on the international scene, but just a seedling in Việt Nam, Basketball has picked up momentum in the past few years. With a new, loyal, and energized fanbase, and experience from international players and management, basketball may soon rival soccer as Việt Nam’s number one sport. In this week’s episode, Brian Lâm takes a look inside the rise of basketball in Việt Nam.
Got game? We're covering the basketball scene in Việt Nam, as well as the flirting and romance culture.
Hoop Dreams in Việt Nam: A Look Inside the Rise of Basketball Vietnamism - Flirty Flirty Time with Loa
Episode 66. Air date: February 16, 2017
It's been quite a busy month on the world stage, and some important and interesting stories are often lost amongst the constant barrage of news. Chris Lê digs through the news to bring you up-to-speed with what you might have missed.
Episode 65. Air date: January 31, 2017
There’s a big celebration that takes place exactly seven days before the Lunar New Year: Ngày Giỗ Táo Quân -- Kitchen Gods Day. This national tradition is rooted in a tale of a tragic love triangle. Every year, a comedy show follows this tale just in time for Tết. Millions of viewers tune in for the show, which borderlines on being politically sensitive. Loa’s Nguyễn Linh Chi takes a look inside the tragic love tale and how Vietnamese people celebrate Táo Quân.
This Lunar New Year, we’re hanging out with the Kitchen Gods to understand the comedic relationship to the Vietnamese hearth and home.
And… It is the end of the month! That means it's time for a review of the news and stories you may have missed.
Reporter Jenny Lý takes a visit to a horoscope reader just in time for the Lunar New Year. Tune in for a deeper dive into the Vietnamese zodiac system, and decide for yourself whether you are a believer or nonbeliever.
We take a look back on the stories that shaped 2016.
Episode 63. Air date: December 30, 2016
Today on our episode: a tale of persecution, escape, and ultimately, refuge. And: dolls amidst the stark backdrop of a prison cell.
Episode 62. Air date: December 12, 2016
“Vietnamese refugees"...the term brings to mind, boats drifting at sea and helicopters lifting people out of a war-torn country. But it’s now more than 40 years later, and Vietnamese people still seek refuge in other countries. No longer fleeing war, these modern refugees are fleeing violence and oppression. In this week’s episode, Kathy Triệu gives us A Look Inside the story of Thủy Nguyễn -- one of Việt Nam’s modern refugees --and his journey from Hà Nội to Houston.
Solitary Envoi is our segment focused on works of art created behind prison walls. Sometimes these can be powerful songs, or inspiring poetry. But in this week’s episode, Loa’s Quyên Ngô introduces us to something quite unexpected: Dolls.
Appears in Episode 62. Air date: December 12, 2016
November was a month of many special events, from the election of the 45th President of the United States of America to the 2016 awards for the Việt Nam Human Rights Network. Loa's Quyên Ngô and Kalynh Ngô have the five headlines you need to know for the month of November.
Episode 61. Air date: November 30, 2016
Did you know that before the introduction of Latin letters, Việt Nam had a writing system of characters similar to Chinese today? Tiffany Lý has more in this week’s Vietnamism.
Those pursuing a college degree in Việt Nam are likely to spend a couple of years learning about Marxist-Leninist ideology before proceeding to their major of choice. What does the curriculum consist of, and how do people feel about it? Loa’s Nguyễn Linh Chi takes a deep dive into the teaching of Marxism-Leninism in Việt Nam’s higher education system.
In this episode, we learn about Marxism-Leninism in Vietnamese education, as well as the origins of the Vietnamese language. Air date: Nov. 22, 2016.
October was a month of extreme events, from deadly flooding in the central region to the arrest of one of Việt Nam’s most prominent bloggers. Loa's Quyên Ngô has rounded up the news cycles to catch you up on the five things you need to know for this month of October.
Episode 59. Air date: October 31, 2016 Web story: http://www.loa.fm/post/152572121703/october-news
An annual festival connects us with a world beyond the grave as spirits converge in central Việt Nam. And: a tale of escape, loss, and the afterlife.
Episode 58. Air date: October 25, 2016
It’s that time of the year, when ghosts, goblins, witches and werewolves roam the street. Perhaps you yourself are dressing up to celebrate Halloween? While the tradition is said to have started in Medieval Britain as a way to ward off roaming ghosts and honor saints, there are similar traditions in Việt Nam and many parts in the East. But in Việt Nam, these celebrations-- to honor spirits and ancestors-- occur heavily in August, around the seventh month of the Lunar calendar. On this week’s A Look Inside, Loa’s Jenny Lý takes us to Điện Hòn Chén, one of the biggest spiritual festivals in Việt Nam, to explore the practice of lên đồng.
Appears in Episode 58. Air date: October 25, 2016
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/hue-spirits
Many believe that countries torn by conflict are inhabited by the spirits of those whose lives were lost. In the case of Việt Nam, the war spread beyond land and into the sea, as hundreds of thousands of people fled the country by boat after the war. For our next story, we hear an eerie tale of loss during an attempt to vượt biên -- escape the country by boat. Chris Lê has more.
Appears in Episode 58. Air date: October 25, 2016 Image credit: Jorge Bernal
Việt Nam as a country is very well known for what is called commodity coffee: beans exported in large batches to other countries for use in instant coffee brands and lower quality brews. In the last two years or so, a very small group of people are trying to change that image and usher in the reign of higher quality beans in Việt Nam. Loa’s Chí-Linh Đinh and Brian Lâm got together over a cup of Joe and talk about the third wave coffee movement happening in Việt Nam today.
Episode 57. Air date: September 17, 2016
From a historic moment at the Rio Olympics, to Pokémania, to a rare shooting in the Việt Nam, we spent the month sifting through stories so you didn’t have to. Here are our top five Things to Know for this the month of August.
Episode 56. Air date: August 31, 2016
On this week's "On the Record," we’re bringing you a special voice all the way from Hong Kong -- 19-year-old activist Joshua Wong, one of the leaders of the Umbrella Movement.
Episode 55. Air date: August 22, 2016
Superstition is a huge part of Vietnamese culture. But could it help you better live your life? And...love, prison, filial piety, and a suicide attempt. All the makings of a great story -- that is, Việt Nam’s epic Tale of Kiều.
Air date: August 12, 2016
MUSIC CREDITS Opening Music: Jon Luc Hefferman - A Storm At Eilean Mor A Look Inside Closing Music: Kai Angel - Summer Days Closing Music: Jon Luc Hefferman - Epoch
From assessing the compatibility of a couple using the zodiac calendar, to the way furniture is arranged in your living room, to visiting fortune tellers to determine the most suitable date for a wedding, Vietnamese people attach great importance to a practice that other people regard with skepticism.
What is it that makes receiving advice from a fortune teller a widely accepted custom in Vietnamese culture? Chris Lê explores this idea in this week’s A Look Inside.
Appears in Episode 54. Air date: August 12, 2016
Truyện Kiều (The Tale of Kiều)is Việt Nam's best-known poem about a woman who sacrifices her happiness for the freedom of her family. Its verses impart values that are deeply tied to the heart and soul of Vietnamese culture. Loa’s Nguyễn Linh Chi tells us what the Tale of Kiều is all about.
Appears in Episode 54. Air date: August 12, 2016
This week, we catch up with the Vietnamese community in Slovakia and follow up on a ruling that puts China in hot waters in the South China Sea.
Episode 53. Air date: July 26, 2016
MUSIC CREDITS: Opening Music: Podington Bear - Mirabelle A Look Inside Closing Music: Twin Musicom - Journey in the New World Things To Know Opening & Closing Music: Việt Tiên - Hội Nghị Diên Hồng Closing Music: Podington Bear - Floating in Space
Has it ever seemed to you like Vietnamese people are everywhere? Through different circumstances, conditions, and journeys, people have had to make their home outside of Việt Nam. As Loa continues to explore the unique stories of the Vietnamese diaspora, we find ourselves in Slovakia this week.
Appears in Episode 53. Air date: July 26, 2016
An international tribunal earlier this month issued a sweeping ruling that could have far-reaching implications for Việt Nam. In a case closely watched by regional and super powers, from Japan, to Malaysia, Việt Nam, to the U.S., the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague says China’s aggressive claims in the South China Sea have no foundation.
Appears in Episode 53. Air date: July 26, 2016
This week on Loa: The first non-profit and independent university is opening this fall in Sài Gòn. We take a look inside the dark past of its newly appointed chairman.
And...the recipe and a story on the most important condiment of all Vietnamese cuisine: nước mắm chấm.
During his visit to Việt Nam a few weeks ago, US President Barack Obama announced the opening of Fulbright University in Sài Gòn as part of the US and Việt Nam’s continued partnership in education. The country’s first non-profit and independent university is already off to a rocky start with the appointment of Robert “Bob" Kerrey as chairman of the school’s board. The former Việt Nam veteran's controversial war record has ignited a heated debate. Tune in to hear about the conflicting views.
In Vietnamese cuisine, plenty of dishes are superstars in their own right. Phở aside, there’s the fresh and colorful vermicelli noodle salad, light and airy gỏi cuốn or summer rolls, and the fried Vietnamese crepe, bánh xèo. But all these dishes are incomplete without Việt Nam’s number one sidekick: nước mắm chấm. The sauce is splashed all over, ladled on, dipped in--you could even slurp it, it's so good.
Loa’s Kathy Triệu brings us up close and personal with the essential nước chấm.
More Vietnamese want in on higher education. But fewer university spots equals students in distress. The stakes are high.
And: a singing style that’s equal parts folk music, poetry, and…. rap duel? That's Quan Họ.
All in episode 51 of Loa.
This week, nearly a million students will be taking the most important exam of their life: the high school graduation test, which also determines their admission to college. On this A Look Inside, Loa’s Nguyễn Linh Chi tells us how students and their families are battling to make the cut.
Imagine a rap battle, between two competing, freestyling artists. But instead of rappers, you've got Vietnamese villagers. And instead of rhyming lyrics, you’ve got folk music infused with poetry and lullabies. Now set it all in 13th-century northern Việt Nam. That’s what you get with quan họ, traditional call and response folk music. Loa’s Jenny Lý gives us a sample of this singing style.
U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to Việt Nam dominated headlines this month. But, it’s not the only thing that happened. Loa's Nguyễn Linh Chi rounded up some key things you need to know.
In the 1970s, a new sound began to emerge: raw and rebellious rock – music that reflected the gritty, dissonant reality of the war in Việt Nam.
And… from classic rock to V-Pop. We’ve got the latest beats in Việt Nam!
MUSIC CREDITS: Opening: The Agrarians - The Natural Scenes Closing: Velella Velella - Hard Egg Timer
Rock n’ roll came alive in Việt Nam in the midst of war. Vietnamese musicians took inspiration from the beats and guitar riffs of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin and made it their own. The music that was created during this time is arguably some of the best rock music available, a unique sound that could only have existed in the contexts of which it was born. Loa's Stella Trần walks us through a collection of this groundbreaking music.
Album Featured: Sublime Frequencies - Saigon Rock N' Soul
Songs Featured in this Episode: CBC Band – Tinh Yêu Tuyệt Vời (The Greatest Love) Carol Kim – Cái Trâm Em Cài (Your Hair Clip) Thành Mai – Tóc Mai Sợi Vắn Sợi Dài (Long, Uneven Hair) CBC Band – Con Tim Và Nước Mắt (Heart And Tears) Lệ Thu – Sao Biển (Etoile Des Neiges) (Starfish) Minh Xuân & Phượng Hoàng – Mặt Trời Đen (Black Sun) Mai Lệ Huyền & Hùng Cường – Hờn Anh Giận Em (Jealousy) Phương Dung – Đố Ai (Riddles)
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/saigon-rock-and-soul Published May 23, 2016 in Episode 49
You've probably heard of k-pop. But have you heard of v-pop? V-pop, or Vietnamese pop, has been around since the early 90s, but only in recent years, has it become increasingly popular in Việt Nam and among the diaspora. Loa’s Nguyễn Linh Chi brings us the hottest tracks and beats of the most prominent v-pop genres.
Songs Featured in this Episode: Noo Phước Thịnh - Just Wanna Say Goodbye/ Đừng Nhìn Lại Tóc Tiên - Big Girls Don't Cry ERIK BST 319 - Sau Tất Cả M-TP Sơn Tùng - Nắng Ấm Xa Dần Justatee - She Neva Knows Hoàng Tôn - Only U
Before this modern age of swiping left and right, how did technology-starved singles find their perfect partner? Imagine Tinder but in real life: a traditional dating custom of Vietnamese ethnic minorities in the North. In this week’s Vietnamism, Chris Lê explores: the Love Markets.
Mass fish deaths along Việt Nam’s central coast have caused an uproar both online and off. Not quite sure why people are crying foul? And what role does Taiwanese firm Formosa play in all of this? Loa’s Quyên Ngô catches you up with the Five Things You Need to Know about this ecological crisis.
As a fish graveyard widens across Việt Nam’s central coast, what are the facts surrounding this environmental crisis?
And, how to find love, without the help of an app.
MUSIC CREDITS: Opening Music: Nuages - Machines Things To Know Outro: Spence Mills - Hourglass Vietnamism Intro: Kevin MacLeod - Fairytale Waltz Closing Music: Effulgence - Distance
A musician and a singer met and fell in love after the war, knowing that it could never truly be.
A musician and a singer met and fell in love after the war, knowing that it could never truly be. What sacrifices would you be willing to endure?
And... we’ve got the lowdown on the legend of King Hùng Vương, a mythical forefather of the Vietnamese people.
Air date: April 27, 2016
Opening Song: Effulgence - Stray Thoughts Closing Song: Kontinuum - Aware Segment track: Đi Qua Vùng Cỏ Non - Guitar solo, Arr. Thanh Nhã
Every year on the 10th day of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar, the Vietnamese people commemorate Hùng Vương who is known as the first king of Việt Nam.
Legend has it that he is the son of a fairy, Aư Cơ, and a dragon Lạc Long Quan. This year the holiday fell on April 16th, and as Vietnamese people everywhere honored King Hùng Vương, Loa’s Kathy Triệu helps us to understand why.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/hung-vuong Published April 25, 2016 in Episode 47
Candidates on campaign trails in free elections have to endure barbs and missiles from their rivals in the form of political speech. Independent candidates in Việt Nam sometimes find themselves the target of an entirely different type of missile. For this week's "A Look Inside" segment, Loa’s Giang Nguyễn has the stories from the campaign trail in Việt Nam.
Air date: April 11, 2016
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/post/142654180723/loa-democracy-in-action-or-shrimp-sauce-election
Opening Music: Podington Bear - Dog And Pony Show A Look Inside Outro: ALBIS - Spark Closing Music: Podington Bear - Holding Hands
March was a month of protest incitements, disastrous effects of climate change, and twisted DNA news. Loa’s Kathy Triệu gets you up to speed with our list of the five news item from Việt Nam you need to know.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/2016-march-news-review Published in Epiosde 45 | March 28, 2016
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Đổi Mới, a series of economic reforms that changed Việt Nam from a centrally planned economy to what some describe as a “socialist-oriented free market” economy. These reforms changed a lot of things for a lot of people, and the generation born after Đổi Mới live lives that previous generations could barely dream of 30 years ago. Two women - Eliza Lomas and Fabiola Buchele - seek to understand their experiences. In their podcast series, “The Renovation Generation”, Lomas and Buchele share intimate conversations with post-Đổi Mới youth and draw sonic portraits of their lives and experiences.
Eliza Lomas and Fabiola Buchele are On the Record with Loa’s Stella Trần.
We also broadcast episode 5 of “The Renovation Generation”: www.therenovationgeneration.com/
Air date: March 21, 2016
Opening Music: https://soundcloud.com/kolada/fumes Closing Music: BluntedBeatz - Gone By Tomorrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC2dcqPZanI
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Đổi Mới, a series of economic reforms that changed Việt Nam from a centrally planned economy to what some describe as a “socialist-oriented free market” economy. These reforms changed a lot of things for a lot of people, and the generation born after Đổi Mới live lives that previous generations could barely dream of 30 years ago. Two women - Eliza Lomas and Fabiola Buchele - seek to understand their experiences. In their podcast series, “The Renovation Generation”, Lomas and Buchele share intimate conversations with post-Đổi Mới youth and draw sonic portraits of their lives and experiences.
Eliza Lomas and Fabiola Buchele are On the Record with Loa’s Stella Trần.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/renovation-generation Published March 21, 2106 in Episode 44
In Việt Nam, more and more activists are experiencing a daily terror of constant surveillance, verbal abuse and beatings from those supposedly defending the law: the security police force. Loa's Trinh Nguyễn takes a look inside the pervasive police brutality in Việt Nam.
March 8th is International Women’s Day, or Ngày Quốc tế Phụ Nữ. It's a day to celebrate women’s contributions to society, but also a reminder that the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements happened despite a lack of parity. In this week’s Vietnamism, Loa’s Chí-Linh Đinh explores how it all started and how it is celebrated today.
Air date: March 9, 2016
In Việt Nam today, human rights defenders face a daily barrage of excessive force and brutality. How do these activists manage this reality?
Appears in Episode 43. Air date: March 7, 2016
Sauce: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/police-brutality
March 8th is International Women’s Day, or Ngày Quốc tế Phụ Nữ as it’s known in Việt Nam. It's a day to celebrate women’s contributions to society, but also a reminder that the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements happened despite a lack of parity. In this week’s Vietnamism, Loa’s Chí-Linh Đinh explores how it all started and how it is celebrated today.
Appears in Episode 43; Air date: March 9, 2016
From the latest political machinations of Asia Pacific leaders to human rights activists launching election campaigns, February in Việt Nam was packed with action. Keeping up with the most important and interesting news can be difficult. Loa’s Lương Văn Thiền is back with our "Things to Know" segment and all the important news stories happening in Việt Nam this month of February.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/2016-february-news-review Published February 29, 2016 in Episode 42.
We’re coming to you with a special episode this week instead of having you wait another 2 weeks! Here at Loa, we highlight the critical stories that are shaping Việt Nam today. Loa’s Lương Văn Thiền is back with our "Things to Know" segment and all the important news stories happening in Việt Nam this month of February.
Air date: February 29, 2016
The peer to peer marketplace, known as the sharing economy, has spread rapidly across the world. Can it take hold in Việt Nam? We take "A Look Inside" how sharing can lead to profits.
The glitz and glam of the 88th Academy Awards are just around the corner and one nominee captured our attention: the documentary, Chau, Beyond the Lines. Amid the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, our reporter has a review of the film’s narrative and the on-going issues of documentary's subject: the victims of Agent Orange in Việt Nam.
Air date: February 22, 2016
Music featured in this episode: Broke For Free - Budding Jingle Punks - Good Starts https://soundcloud.com/brett-van-donsel/the-future-begins-today-by-brett-van-donsel
The peer to peer marketplace, known as the sharing economy, has spread rapidly across the world. Can it take hold in Việt Nam? We take "A Look Inside" how sharing can lead to profits.
Air date: February 22, 2016 (Episode 41)
Music featured in this segment: Jingle Punks - Good Starts
The glitz and glam of the 88th Academy Awards are just around the corner and one nominee captured our attention: the documentary, Chau, Beyond the Lines. Amid the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, our reporter has a review of the film’s narrative and the on-going issues of documentary's subject: the victims of Agent Orange in Việt Nam.
Air date: February 22, 2016 (Episode 41)
Music featured in this segment: https://soundcloud.com/brett-van-donsel/the-future-begins-today-by-brett-van-donsel
Tết is here! Start your Lunar New Year right by making sure your Tết traditions and superstitions are on point. https://soundcloud.com/loa_fm/vietnamism-tet-superstitions
And as families gather together to celebrate the new year, one prisoner of conscience faces a dire medical condition yet holds strong to her convictions. https://soundcloud.com/loa_fm/tran-thi-thuy
Air date: February 8, 2016
Tết is all about red envelopes (lì xì), sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng and bánh tét, firecrackers, spending time with family, and a whole lot of superstitions! We check in with our culture expert, Professor Nguyễn Hoàng Mai, about some rituals and superstitions that come up every Lunar New Year. Professor Mai has taught Vietnamese language and culture for over three decades. Loa’s Quyên Ngô checked in with her to bring us up to speed on Tết’s many customs and beliefs.
Appears in Episode 40; air date: February 8, 2016
In a jail cell outside of Sài Gòn, a prisoner’s painful tumor is left untreated unless she confesses to her alleged crimes. That's the case of land rights activist, Trần Thị Thúy, a woman who’s been punished so severely in prison, she can no longer walk straight. Loa’s Mây Trần tells her story.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/tran-thi-thuy Published February 8, 2016 in Episode 40.
From the the infighting leading up to the 12th Party Congress...to the death of a beloved and sacred turtle, Loa’s Lilly Nguyễn has the five news stories of January you need to know.
In this week’s Vietnamism, Loa’s Chí-Linh Đinh looks into this unique sport of Vovinam, short for Việt Võ Đạo, and its sky-blue uniforms and majorly epic grappling techniques.
Episode 39 | January 25, 2016 https://soundcloud.com/loa_fm/vietnamism-vovinam https://soundcloud.com/loa_fm/january-news
From the the infighting leading up to the 12th Party Congress to the hottest items on sale ahead of the lunar new year, Loa’s Lilly Nguyễn has the five most talked about Việt Nam news stories of January. It's our “Things to Know" segment this week.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/2016-january-news Published January 25, 2016 in Episode 39.
In this week’s Vietnamism, Loa’s Chí-Linh Đinh looks into this unique sport of Vovinam, short for Việt Võ Đạo, and its sky-blue uniforms and majorly epic grappling techniques.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/vovinam Published in Episode 39 | January 25, 2016
People can be pretty superstitious: Don’t walk under a ladder, avoid the number 13. If you’re Vietnamese, you’ve probably heard your share of Vietnamese old wives’ tales from your parents or grandparents. And though most of us are skeptical about their veracity, it costs nothing to follow along. We don’t want any bad luck! So little by little these superstitions become a part of our lives and our culture.
In this week’s Vietnamism, Vinh Trần decodes some of these popular Vietnamese superstitions.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/vietnamese-superstitions Published January 12, 2016 in Episode 38
Việt Nam is not really known for its animal-loving culture. But as disposable incomes rise along with an emerging middle class, cats, dogs and other critters are also seeing better days. Loa’s Nguyễn Linh Chi takes a closer look at the changing attitudes humans have towards canines and felines.
Sauce: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/pet-lovers
As puppy love matures in Việt Nam, it’s becoming clear that old habits die hard. And will sticking chopsticks vertically into your rice bowl bring bad luck? Find out on this week's episode of Loa.
What’s with all the secrecy regarding Việt Nam’s next party congress?
And with Vietnamese people living all over the world, what does it really mean to be Vietnamese?
We’ve got those answers for you this week on Loa.
Air date: January 4, 2016
Political freedom - the right to choose your own government, your own representatives - does not exist in Việt Nam. Instead, every five years, a National Party Congress is held. It’s there that the country’s leaders are selected. Loa’s Duyên Bùi has the “Five things You Need to Know” about the upcoming National Party Congress in 2016.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/party-congress Published January 4, 2016 in Episode 37
If someone were to ask you what makes Vietnamese people unique, how would you answer? How do different Vietnamese people think about their Vietnamese identity? Loa's Mây Trần, with contributor Định Lý, go on a mission to find out in this week’s Vietnamism.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/viet-identity Published January 4, 2016 in Episode 37
Since our launch in April, we've had 35 episodes of stories from and about Việt Nam. As 2015 comes to a close, our four editors, Chris Lê, Quyên Ngô, Trinh Nguyễn, and Giang Nguyễn get together for a retrospective with some of our listeners and favorite segments.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/2015-year-in-review Published December 28, 2015 in Episode 36
Intro/outro music by https://soundcloud.com/kontinuum/aware
Although Việt Nam is predominantly non-Christian, Christmas (Lễ Giáng Sinh) is considered a major holiday, celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians alike. Holiday decorations, bright lights and nativity scenes with a distinctly Vietnamese motif fill food stalls and tiny shops throughout city streets and villages. Loa’s Jenny Lý is in Sài Gòn with "A Look Inside" how Christmas is celebrated here this time of the year.
Although Việt Nam is predominantly non-Christian, Christmas (Lễ Giáng Sinh) is considered a major holiday, celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians alike. Holiday decorations, bright lights and nativity scenes with a distinctly Vietnamese motif fill food stalls and tiny shops throughout city streets and villages. Loa’s Jenny Lý is in Sài Gòn with "A Look Inside" how Christmas is celebrated here this time of the year.
Loa went to Yangon, Myanmar to take “A Look Inside” a study tour on resistance alongside Vietnamese activists.
Online: http://www.loa.fm/post/134943331283/from-myanmar-to-vi%E1%BB%87t-nam-democracy-activists
In "Solitary Envoi", we hear about what happened in the interrogation room when the activists were detained upon returning to Việt Nam.
Air date: December 14, 2015
Opposition groups once barred and persecuted are now working in the open to build a sustainable democracy: in Myanmar. What did democracy activists who traveled from Việt Nam to Yangon learn from them?
Loa went to Yangon, Myanmar, to take “A Look Inside” a study tour on resistance.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/ep34-from-myanmar-to-vietnam Published December 14, 2015 in Episode 34
For the activists from Việt Nam, lessons in resilience and courage were immediately put to the test following the study tour. All seven who traveled to Myanmar were detained upon their return to Việt Nam and endured long hours of interrogation. Their detention did not come a surprise, but they are a reminder of the risks that Vietnamese activists take when they participate in peaceful democracy work. In this week’s Solitary Envoi, we hear about what happened in the interrogation room.
Sauce: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/inside-the-interrogation-room
In this week’s "Solitary Envoi," Quyên Ngô takes a look at the linguistic choices activists have made in expressing their protest.
Source: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/sign-language
There’s an arms race brewing between China and Việt Nam, not with conventional weapons but with computer servers and surveillance software. Loa’s Trinh Nguyễn takes "A Look Inside" the cyber war between Hà Nội and Beijing.
Source: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/inside-vit-nams-cyber-war
There’s an arms race brewing between China and Việt Nam, not with conventional weapons but with computer servers and surveillance software. Loa’s Trinh Nguyễn takes "A Look Inside" the cyber war between Hà Nội and Beijing.
In this week’s "Solitary Envoi," Quyên Ngô takes a look at the linguistic choices activists have made in expressing their protest.
(Air date: November 30, 2015) From the rising tension in the South China Sea, to a social media app that’s falling out of favor with Vietnamese authorities, Loa contributor Lương Văn Thiền is here with all the important news and stories happening in Vietnam today with this week's "Things to Know."
From celebrity chefs to the guy who just wants a little something extra on his hot dog, Sriracha is rapidly becoming a staple condiment. Although the sauce is often thought to have originated in Thailand, the truth is much more complicated. Loa’s Chí-Linh Dinh dishes up that famous cocky hot sauce that’s equal parts cross-cultural appropriation, hometown pride, and expat love.
From the rising tension in the South China Sea, to a social media app that’s falling out of favor with Vietnamese authorities, Loa contributor Lương Văn Thiền is here with all the important news and stories happening in Vietnam today with this week's "Things to Know."
From celebrity chefs to the guy who just wants a little something extra on his hot dog, Sriracha is rapidly becoming a staple condiment. Although the sauce is often thought to have originated in Thailand, the truth is much more complicated. Loa’s Chí-Linh Dinh dishes up that famous cocky hot sauce that’s equal parts cross-cultural appropriation, hometown pride, and expat love.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/sriracha-origin-story Published November 30, 2015 in Episode 32
Việt Nam's government has had a pretty contentious relationship with social media. Hà Nội made an attempt at blocking Facebook in 2009 and 2010 that mostly failed. Six years later, the government is now reversing course by setting up its own Facebook page. Loa’s Gia Linh Vũ checks up on Việt Nam's latest foray into social media in this "Things to Know" segment.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/gov-facebook Published November 23, 2015 in Episode 31
Investors see Việt Nam as the next tech hub of the 21st century and entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to jump start the next big enterprise. Brian Lam takes “A Look Inside” the emergence and challenges for Việt Nam’s startup ecosystem.
Investors see Việt Nam as the next tech hub of the 21st century and entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to jump start the next big enterprise. Brian Lâm takes “A Look Inside” the emergence and challenges for Việt Nam’s startup ecosystem.
Việt Nam's government has had a pretty contentious relationship with social media. Hà Nội made an attempt at blocking Facebook in 2009 and 2010 that mostly failed. Six years later, the government is now reversing course by setting up its own Facebook page. Loa’s Gia Linh Vũ checks up on Việt Nam's latest foray into social media in this "Things to Know" segment.
Remember when you were in primary school and you idolized your teacher? Teaching is one of the professions that holds the highest regard in Vietnamese culture. There is even a special day dedicated to them. But as Vietnam’s society changes, so has the meaning behind the day. Loa’s Nguyễn Linh Chi explores how students and their families are celebrating this day in Việt Nam, then and now.
Remember when you were in primary school and you idolized your teacher? Teaching is one of the professions that holds the highest regard in Vietnamese culture. There is even a special day dedicated to them. But as Việt Nam’s society changes, so has the meaning behind the day. Loa’s Nguyễn Linh Chi explores how students and their families are celebrating this day in Việt Nam, then and now.
In the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, the land used by farmers is considered the “people’s property” and can be reclaimed by the government at any given time. We revisit the farmers who have suffered because of this
Photo credit: Ellen M. Banner/The Seattle Times
Typically, each of our weekly podcast features two segments. This week, we’re bringing you a special episode and an in-depth interview with a prominent voice in the Vietnamese community, Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Đức Nguyễn, who’s speaking up about the controversy surrounding last week’s broadcast of “Terror in Little Saigon.”
Typically, each of our weekly podcast features two segments. This week, we’re bringing you a special episode and an in-depth interview with a prominent voice in the Vietnamese community, Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Đức Nguyễn, who’s speaking up about the controversy surrounding last week’s broadcast of “Terror in Little Saigon.”
The French Quarter in Hà Nội is a remnant of colonialism but the Asian Quarter in Paris is a portrait of the diaspora. This week, we take a stroll through the streets of Quận 13, or Paris’ 13th district, with our guide Sơn Trần and Loa’s Vinh Trần.
Lullabies are not unique to Vietnamese culture, but Vietnamese lullabies are unique in that they can still be lovable and charming while speaking to the hardships of life. Giang Nguyễn gives us a little musical lesson on lullabies in this week’s "Vietnamism."
The French Quarter in Hà Nội is a remnant of colonialism but the Asian Quarter in Paris is a portrait of the diaspora. This week, we take a stroll through the streets of Quận 13, or Paris’s 13th district, with our guide Sơn Trần and Loa’s Vinh Trần.
Lullabies are not unique to Vietnamese culture, but Vietnamese lullabies are unique in that they can still be lovable and charming while speaking to the hardships of life. Giang Nguyễn gives us a little musical lesson on lullabies in this week's "Vietnamism."
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/lullabies Published November 2, 2015 in Episode 28
Minh Nguyễn, a registered dietitian nutritionist, breaks down the healthiness of ingredients found in Vietnamese cuisine. Find out why she considers phở to be the ultimate hangover cure.
More and more restaurants are removing MSG from their food in efforts to become healthier. What is MSG, what does it do, and does it deserve its bad reputation?
Minh Nguyễn, a registered dietitian nutritionist, breaks down the healthiness of ingredients found in Vietnamese cuisine. Find out why she considers phở to be the ultimate hangover cure.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/vietnamese-food-myths Published October26, 2016 in Episode 27
More and more restaurants are removing MSG from their food in efforts to become healthier. What is MSG, what does it do, and does it deserve its bad reputation? Loa's Nguyễn Linh Chi reports.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/msg Published October 26, 2015 in Episode 27
If you find yourself in Việt Nam and don’t speak a lick of Vietnamese...try English! It has surpassed French and Russian as a popular choice for foreign language. Việt Nam is trying to keep pace with globalization. People are encouraged to learn foreign languages, especially English. Loa's Duyên Bùi takes "A Look Inside" at how English is learned and taught at one charity in Việt Nam.
Solitary Envoi is Loa's segment featuring written works from behind prison walls. A year ago this month, a short letter from prisoner of conscience Đặng Xuân Diệu was snuck out of his jail cell. Diệu is currently serving a 13-year sentence on charges of subversion due to his activism. His message gives the outside world a peek into his psyche as he endures extreme conditions of mistreatment. Loa’s Quyên Ngô reads an English translation of the letter.
English has surpassed French and Russian as a popular choice for foreign language in Việt Nam, and you see cities teeming with English learning centers. Việt Nam is trying to keep pace with globalization. People are encouraged to learn foreign languages, especially English. Loa's Duyên Bùi takes "A Look Inside" at how English is learned and taught at one charity in Việt Nam.
Story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/stand-by-you Published October 19, 2015 in Episode 26
"Solitary Envoi" is Loa's segment featuring written works from behind prison walls. A year ago this month, a short letter from prisoner of conscience Đặng Xuân Diệu was snuck out of his jail cell. Diệu is currently serving a 13-year sentence on charges of subversion due to his activism. His message gives the outside world a peek into his psyche as he endures extreme conditions of mistreatment. Loa’s Quyên Ngô reads an English translation of the letter.
We're re-airing some of our favorite stories this week. We'll be listening to pre-1975 Vietnamese music and solving a foodie mystery: why so many phở restaurants are numbered.
Việt Nam’s netizens face real threats every time they log onto the internet. With more than 40 million users now online, Việt Nam ranks high on countries most vulnerable to cyberattacks. Loa’s Trinh Nguyễn takes A Look Inside the growing list of digital threats confronting internet users in Việt Nam.
Việt Nam's jolting cup of joe is taking over the world by storm. Even Starbucks is getting in on the action, introducing their single-origin Đà Lạt beans earlier this year. So what's so exciting about the Vietnamese way of making coffee? Loa's Chí-Linh Đinh gets to the bottom of this addictive drink.
Việt Nam’s netizens face real threats every time they log onto the internet. With more than 40 million users now online, Việt Nam ranks high on countries most vulnerable to cyberattacks. Loa’s Trinh Nguyễn takes A Look Inside the growing list of digital threats confronting internet users in Việt Nam.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/digital-threats Published in October 5, 2015 in Episode 24
Việt Nam's jolting cup of joe is taking over the world by storm. Even Starbucks is getting in on the action, introducing their single-origin Đà Lạt beans earlier this year. So what's so exciting about the Vietnamese way of making coffee? Loa's Chí-Linh Đinh gets to the bottom of this addictive drink.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/vietnamese-coffee
Schools, libraries, research institutions are filled with records that inform our understanding of history. But what if no record exists of your experience? That’s the case for many Vietnamese displaced by war, refugees who escaped the country under a cloak of darkness or victims of pirate attacks at sea. The lack of records, photos and physical can rob us of a true understanding of war and its aftermath, but now initiatives across the globe are seeking to collect oral histories of refugees for a fuller picture of the Vietnamese experience than what can be found in the history books. That's our "A Look Inside" segment this week.
And: Albert Einstein supposedly suggested that human stupidity is limitless, but a Vietnamese proverb focuses on only four stupidities. You’ll definitely want to avoid them. We lay it out for you in our "Vietnamism" segment.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-23
Schools, libraries, research institutions are filled with records that inform our understanding of history. But what if no record exists of your experience? That’s the case for many Vietnamese displaced by war, refugees who escaped the country under a cloak of darkness or victims of pirate attacks at sea. The lack of records, photos and physical can rob us of a true understanding of war and its aftermath, but now initiatives across the globe are seeking to collect oral histories of refugees for a fuller picture of the Vietnamese experience than what can be found in the history books.
Web story: www.loa.fm/2015/09/28/vietnams-unwritten-story/
Albert Einstein supposedly suggested that human stupidity is limitless, but a Vietnamese proverb focuses on only four stupidities. You’ll definitely want to avoid them.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/lifes-four-stupidities
In the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, the land used by farmers is considered the “people’s property” and can be reclaimed by the government at any given time. Farmers who have had their livelihood taken away are uniting in protest, and their message is only getting louder. Loa's Giang Nguyễn takes "A Look Inside" this growing force.
Follow the lights of the lanterns or the sweet aroma of mooncakes and you’ll find yourself at Tết Trung Thu, Việt Nam’s mid-autumn festival. Our newest contributor Emmerick Đoàn takes us on a moonlit stroll to find out the significance of the lanterns and the mooncakes that we enjoy every fall.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-22
In the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, the land used by farmers is considered the “people’s property” and can be reclaimed by the government at any given time. Farmers who have had their livelihood taken away are uniting in protest, and their message is only getting louder. Loa's Giang Nguyễn takes "A Look Inside" this growing force.
Appears in Episode 22. Air date: September 21, 2015
Follow the lights of the lanterns or the sweet aroma of mooncakes and you’ll find yourself at Tết Trung Thu, Việt Nam’s mid-autumn festival. Our newest contributor Emmerick Đoàn takes us on a moonlit stroll to find out the significance of the lanterns and the mooncakes that we enjoy every fall.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/midautumn-festival Published September 21, 2015 in Episode 22
The impact of China’s economic slowdown is being felt around the world. With close ties to the Asian giant, is Việt Nam’s economy also in trouble? Stella Trần has the Five Things to Know about Việt Nam’s economy.
Tiffany Lý answers this riddle in our Vietnamism segment: China played A crucial role in the formation of many Asian languages, but Việt Nam chose to B different. C if you can guess which alphabet Việt Nam ended up with while other countries adopted Chinese characters!
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-21
The impact of China’s economic slowdown is being felt around the world. With close ties to the Asian giant, is Việt Nam’s economy also in trouble? Stella Trần has the Five Things to Know about Việt Nam’s economy.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/vietnam-economy Published September 14, 2015 in Episode 21
China played A crucial role in the formation of many Asian languages, but Việt Nam chose to B different. C if you can guess which alphabet Việt Nam ended up with while other countries adopted Chinese characters! Tiffany Lý answers this riddle in our Vietnamism segment.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/2015/09/14/viet-nams-alphabet-odd-man-out/
Việt Tân, the Việt Nam Reform Party, marks 33 years this week of a people power struggle for freedom and democracy. From its perilous beginnings to today’s multi-pronged approaches to empower the Vietnamese people, Chris Lê has the story of the activists on the ground, in our A Look Inside segment.
In the early years of the Party's establishment, far away in a jungle near the Thai-Laotian border, a song was written from a small resistance base, by the light of the moon. "Trăng Chiến Khu" speaks to the sacrifices made by those who have committed themselves to their country. Nam-An Đinh brings us the story in Loa's Solitary Envoi segment.
Air Date: September 7, 2015
Resistance to oppression is in the Vietnamese people’s DNA. Since the Vietnamese Communist Party imposed its one-party rule throughout the country in 1975, resistance has been building. Momentum started with the isolated voices of dissidents in the 1980s and 1990s and has gained to give rise to the emergence of un-sanctioned groups today.
Việt Tân, the Việt Nam Reform Party, is one of those un-sanctioned groups. It was formally established in 1982 with a mission to mobilize the people to reform and free Việt Nam. From its perilous beginnings to today’s multi-pronged approaches to empower the Vietnamese people - of which Loa is a product - Chris Lê has the story of the activists on the ground.
Appears in Episode 20. Air date: September 7, 2015 Web story: http://www.loa.fm/post/151480424973/viet-tan
Music has the power to transcend time, connecting different generations and giving voice to enduring ideals even as the world around us changes. In our "Solitary Envoi" segment, we embark to a faraway jungle, near the Thai-Laotian border. A song written from a small resistance base, by the light of the moon, speaks to the sacrifices made by those who have committed themselves to their country.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/resistance-love-letter Published September 7, 2015 in Episode 20
In this episode, we re-air a couple of our most popular stories: Our "On the Record" interview with Andrea Nguyễn, award-winning food writer and author of The Banh Mi Handbook, where we discuss the layers and the legacy of this delicious sandwich.
Then, we come back for seconds with "Things to Know" and Tiến Nguyễn's five weird Vietnamese foods we dare you to try!
Web: www.loa.fm/2015/08/31/ep-19/
The way to a U.S. government's heart is through its lobbyists. How much has Hà Nội paid for access to Washington D.C.’s most influential powers and what are they using it for? Our reporter speaks to the journalist who uncovered these details.
Lễ Vu Lan, the second largest annual festival in Vietnam, finds its origin in a series of Buddhist scriptures. This celebration is for paying respect to all parents – both the living and the departed.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-18
The way to a U.S. government's heart is through its lobbyists. How much has Hà Nội paid for access to Washington D.C.’s most influential powers and what are they using it for? Our reporter speaks to the journalist who uncovered these details.
Source: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/money-talks
Lễ Vu Lan, the second largest annual festival in Việt Nam, finds its origin in a series of Buddhist scriptures. This celebration is for paying respect to all parents – both the living and the departed. Loa's Nam-An Đinh brings us this story.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/vu-lan Published August 24, 2015 in Episode 18
Prison is often not the ultimate punishment for Việt Nam's political prisoners. Behind prison walls, another ordeal begins. In this week's "A Look Inside," Loa’s Giang Nguyễn has the story of young activists who’ve gone through hell and lived to tell the story.
There’s a part of Vietnamese performance art that is distinctly emotional -- melodramatic, you might even call it. Actually, we call it Cải Lương. It’s folk opera that amplifies human drama with plaintive notes and a haunting pitch. This week, Lilly Nguyễn goes back in time to her first musical memory of cải lương to discover the story behind this traditional musical theater.
Web: www.loa.fm/2015/08/17/ep-17/
Prison is often not the ultimate punishment for Việt Nam's political dissidents. Behind prison walls, another ordeal begins. In this week's "A Look Inside," Loa’s Giang Nguyễn has the story of young activists who’ve gone through hell and lived to tell the story.
Appears in Episode 17. Air date: August 17, 2015
Music credit: Bensound - Ofelia's Dream
There’s a part of Vietnamese performance art that is distinctly emotional -- melodramatic, you might even call it. Actually, we call it cải lương. It’s folk opera that amplifies human drama with plaintive notes and a haunting pitch. This week, Lilly Nguyễn goes back in time to her first musical memory of cải lương to discover the story behind this traditional musical theater.
Web: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/cai-luong Published August 17 2015 in Episode 17
The Trans-Pacific Partnership, a proposed trade agreement involving 12 Pacific Rim countries, is a big freaking deal. Analysts say it’s potentially the largest trade deal in history. Lilly Nguyễn has five things you need to know, a FYI about the TPP.
No credit? No Problem. The Vietnamese have an alternative way to get a loan. Loa’s new reporter Cavatina Phạm has an insight into the informal borrowing and lending system known as hụi.
Web: www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-16
The Trans-Pacific Partnership, a proposed trade agreement involving 12 Pacific Rim countries, is a big freaking deal. Analysts say it’s potentially the largest trade deal in history. Lilly Nguyễn has five things you need to know, a FYI about the TPP.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/wth-is-tpp Published August 10, 2015 in Episode 16
No credit? No Problem. The Vietnamese have an alternative way to get a loan. Loa's Cavatina Phạm has an insight into the informal borrowing and lending system known as hụi.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/hui Published August 10, 2015 in Episode 16
In this week’s "Vietnamism," Loa's Nam-An Đinh introduces us an ancient Vietnamese instrument with the sound of a human voice.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/gourd-zither Published August 3, 2015 in Episode 15
In this week’s feature, our reporter provides an insight into the world of professional gaming in Vietnam and the struggles faced by players vying for international stardom.
Web story: www.loa.fm/2015/08/03/e-sports-in-vietnam-its-not-all-fun-games/
In this week’s feature, Chris Lê provides an insight into the world of professional gaming in Vietnam and the struggles faced by players vying for international stardom.
In this week’s Vietnamism, Nam-An Đinh gets to the root of an ancient instrument with the sound of a human voice.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-15
In this week’s episode, we take "A Look Inside" the rising gay pride movement in Việt Nam and how its increasing acceptance in the country juxtaposes with Việt Nam’s human rights record.
In our "Things to Know" segment, Loa’s resident foodie Natalie Nguyễn dishes out several popular Vietnamese herbs you can use to freshen up your own dishes.
Air date: July 27, 2015. Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-14
In our "Things to Know" segment, Loa’s resident foodie Natalie Nguyễn dishes out several popular Vietnamese herbs you can use to freshen up your own dishes.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/all-about-herbs Published July 27, 2015 in Episode 14
In Episode 14, we take "A Look Inside" the rising gay pride movement in Việt Nam and how its increasing acceptance in the country juxtaposes with its human rights record.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/viet-pride Published July 27, 2015 in Episode 14
Giang Nguyễn takes "A Look Inside" Việt Nam's #zombie uprising and the arrest of one of its members, rapper Nguyễn Phi.
Heads up: this segment contains profanity.
Sauce: http://www.loa.fm/2015/07/20/vietnams-zombie-uprising/
Loa's resident troll expert Tiến Nguyễn explains how the Vietnamese government is raising an army of trolls, stifling information on the internet in this week's "Things to Know."
In this week’s episode, we take "A Look Inside" the nascent Zombie “uprising” in Việt Nam and the recent arrest of one of its members, rapper Nguyễn Phi.
Loa’s resident troll expert Tiến Nguyễn explains how the Vietnamese government is raising an army of trolls to stifle information on the internet in this week’s "Things to Know."
Warning: this episode contains profanity.
Air date: July 20, 2015. Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-13
We bring you Part 2 of our series on Bitcoin in Vietnam, "A Look Inside" at how the digital currency is disrupting traditional methods to transfer money and the potential at helping Vietnam’s unbanked get access to cash.
In this week's "Vietnamism," we sent our reporter out to eat phở to solve the mystery of why so many phở restaurants are named after a given number.
Ending music, "The Pho Song" courtesy of Richie Le: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0rWLeBDG7s
Air date: July 13, 2015. Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-12
In Part 2 of Loa's series on Bitcoin, we examine how the digital currency is disrupting traditional methods to transfer money and the potential at helping Vietnam’s unbanked get access to cash.
Sauce: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/bitcoin-pt-2
Make sure to check out Part 1 of our series: www.loa.fm/2015/05/25/bitcoin-in-vietnam/
In this week's "Vietnamism," we send our reporter on a foodie quest to understand the background behind some iconic phở restaurant names.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/pho-numbers Published July 13, 2015 in Episode 12
Lê Quốc Quân, a prominent human rights lawyer recently freed after 30 months of arbitrary detention goes "On the Record" with Loa's Lilly Nguyễn about his time behind bars and his future plans.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/le-quoc-quan-freed Published July 6, 2015 in Episode 11
In "Solitary Envoi", we return to works of art by the politically repressed. Mây Trần brings us the story behind a song written from within Việt Nam's prison jail cells: Trả Lại Cho Dân (Return to the People).
Episode 11 - July 6, 2015
In this week’s episode, Lê Quốc Quân, a prominent human rights lawyer recently freed after 30 months of arbitrary detention goes "On the Record" with Loa's Lilly Nguyễn.
In "Solitary Envoi," we return to works of art by the politically repressed. Mây Trần brings us the story behind a song written from within Việt Nam’s prison jail cells – Trả Lại Cho Dân (Return to the People).
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-11
One of the many things that confounds non-Vietnamese - and Vietnamese - alike is the Vietnamese tonal language. We often say that Vietnamese has năm dấu - meaning five tones and that’s if you’re not counting the neutral tone.
Loa’s Giang Nguyễn has a brief intro into the six tones of Vietnamese language.
Web story: www.loa.fm/2015/06/01/can-you-hear-it-now/
This week, we feature a personal reflection on the victory for marriage equality in the U.S.
Want to fight a summer cold? We got what you need with coining, a popular home remedy.
Sauce: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-10
On June 26, 2015, the highest court in the United States ruled in favor of marriage equality nationwide. Trinh Nguyễn goes on the record with Linh Hoàng, who stood on the steps of the Supreme Court as the ruling was announced for his reaction.
Sauce: http://www.loa.fm/2015/06/29/love-wins-in-the-united-states/
Vietnamese people seem to have a universal solution for every time someone feels under the weather. They’ll tell you to “cạo gió” or “to scrape wind." We have the inside scoop on this popular home remedy.
Sauce: http://www.loa.fm/2015/06/29/coining-for-a-cure/
In this week's episode, we take "A Look Inside" Việt Nam's burgeoning environmental movement with Lương Văn Thiền. In our latest "Vietnamism" segment, we join Giang Nguyễn as she gives a brief introduction to the six tones of the Vietnamese language.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-6
In this week's "Vietnamism," we learn how the cat pushed out the rabbit and claimed its place in the Vietnamese zodiac. Loa's Nam-An Đinh explains.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/cat-zodiac Published June 22, 2015 in Episode 9
Loa’s Lương Văn Thiền has compiled a quick recap of four noteworthy news stories. From hearings on Việt Nnam’s prisoners of conscience in the Canadian Parliament and the US Congress, to public demonstrations by human rights activists in Hà Nội, it’s all in this week’s “Things to Know.”
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/2015-june-news Published June 22, 2015 in Episode 9
From Việt Nam all the way to the Canadian Parliament, we’ve got notable stories of courageous individuals speaking out. And how the cat claimed its place in the Vietnamese zodiac. All in Episode 9!
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-9
In our latest “Vietnamism” segment, we join Duyên Bùi as she explains why Vietnamese culture has the practice of giving nicknames based on birth order.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/numbered-children Published June 15, 2015 in Episode 8
Music censorship typically means bleeping out cuss words. But in Việt Nam, musicians can sometimes find their voices silenced completely. In this episode, we take "A Look Inside" at what the end of the war meant for Việt Nam’s musical landscape.
And in this week's "Vietnamism, " we explain why certain aunts, uncles or siblings are known by a number!
Web: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-8
Music censorship typically means bleeping out cuss words. But in Việt Nam, musicians can sometimes find their voices silenced completely. In this episode, we take "A Look Inside" at what the end of the war meant for Việt Nam’s musical landscape.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/the-day-the-music-died Published June 15, 2015 in Episode 8
In this week’s episode, Quyên Ngô is “On the Record” with Andrea Nguyễn, award winning food-writer and author of The Banh Mi Handbook. In our latest “Vietnamism” segment, we join Natalie Nguyễn as she dishes up some delicious Vietnamese mayonnaise. www.loa.fm
Published June 8, 2015
On this week's "Vietnamism," we dish up a delicious aspect of Vietnamese culture and decode for you: Vietnamese mayonnaise.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/vietnamese-mayo Published June 8, 2015 in Episode 7
The Vietnamese Bánh Mì has become a global foodie favorite. But what is it that makes Bánh Mì so popular? Quyên Ngô goes On The Record with Andrea Nguyễn, award winning food-writer and author of The Banh Mi Handbook.
Sauce: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/banh-mi
Extra sauces: Andrea Nguyễn: www.vietworldkitchen.com The Banh Mi Handbook: www.amazon.com/The-Banh-Handbook-Crazy-Delicious-Vietnamese/dp/160774533X
From the busy streets of Hà Nội to the foothills of Tây Nguyên, Việt Nam’s environmental consciousness is awakening. What was once an oft ignored issue by the public has become a powerful rallying cry for people in Việt Nnam to demand accountability from their government. So what changed? Loa’s Lương Văn Thiền explores this burgeoning environmental movement.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/environmental-awakening Published June 1, 2015 in Episode 6
In this week's episode, we take "A Look Inside" into the rising use of Bitcoin in Việt Nam. In our latest "Vietnamism" segment, we help non-native speakers pronounce some common, tricky Vietnamese names.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/episodes/ep-5
Part one of Loa’s two-part series on Bitcoin’s entry into Vietnam. Trinh Nguyễn takes “A Look Inside” the adoption of this cryptocurrency.
Sauce: www.loa.fm/2015/05/25/bitcoin-in-vietnam/
Vietnamese names are hard to remember and even harder to pronounce - if you’re a non-native speaker.
Sometimes it can cause a bit of an awkward situation when Vietnamese names, like Bích, or Phúc, resemble profanities in English. Gia Linh Vũ has a primer on how to navigate some of these tricky names.
Web story: http://www.loa.fm/our-stories/tricky-names Published May 25, 2015 in Episode 5
We cover a citizen media training in Singapore that introduces a new media production app to citizen journalists from Việt Nam. Think you know Vietnamese cuisine? We list five weird dishes you have to try.
Air date: May 18, 2015
For our new segment “Things to Know,” we share with you some foodie info to keep in mind the next time you’re looking for new Vietnamese dishes to try.
Sauce: www.loa.fm/2015/05/18/five-weird-vietnamese-foods-to-know/
A new app called StoryMaker is helping marginalized voices in Việt Nam tell the stories they see and hear, making sure silenced voices are heard.
Sauce: www.loa.fm/2015/05/18/citizen-journalists-get-media-savvy/
In our third episode, Duyên Bùi is "On the Record" with Điềm Đỗ, Chairman of the pro-democracy party Viet Tan, to discuss Vietnamese Communist Party chief Nguyễn Phú Trọng's upcoming visit to Washington, DC.
Sauce: www.loa.fm/2015/05/11/mr-trong-goes-to-washington/
Have you ever wondered why such a vast percentage of the Vietnamese population share the surname Nguyễn? In this week's "Vietnamism" segment, Chris Lê explores this strange phenomenon and breaks down Vietnam's history with the Nguyễns.
Appears in Episode 3. Air date: May 11, 2015
This year marks two decades since the normalization of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Việt Nam. For the first time ever, the Vietnamese Communist Party is sending its General Secretary, Nguyễn Phú Trọng, to Washington, DC, to meet with senior White House officials.
We discuss the implications of this high level visit with Điềm Đỗ, Chairman of the pro-democracy party Việt Tân. As leader of an unsanctioned opposition party, Đỗ and a Vietnamese delegation met with President George W. Bush in 2007 to discuss human rights in Việt Nam. Loa’s Duyên Bùi has this “On the Record”.
Have you ever wondered why such a vast percentage of the Vietnamese population share the surname “Nguyễn”? Nope, they are not all related to each other. Here is Chris Lê on this week’s Vietnamism, Việt Nam’s history with the “Nguyễns”.
Air date: May 11, 2015
To close Episode 2, we bring you our first “Vietnamism” segment to decode the cool, confusing parts of the Vietnamese language. We explain how Vietnamese terms of address work and the best approach to take in order to avoid any embarrassing faux pas.
Web story: www.loa.fm/2015/05/04/terms-of-address-in-vietnamese/
In our second episode, Trinh Nguyễn goes “On the Record” to explore how social media is transforming Vietnam’s sociopolitical space in new and exciting ways.
Web story: www.loa.fm/2015/05/04/how-social-media-is-transforming-vietnams-sociopolitical-space/
In our second episode, Trinh Nguyễn goes “On the Record” to explore how social media is transforming Việt Nam’s sociopolitical space in new and exciting ways.
To close the show, we bring you our first “Vietnamism” segment and decode the cool and confusing parts of the Vietnamese language. We explain how Vietnamese terms of address work and the best approach to take in order to avoid any embarrassing faux pas.
Air date: May 4, 2015