CSET — Vietnamese

The CSET — Vietnamese exam has three subtests. The first subtest has 5 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question dealing with general linguistics; and 15 multiple-choice questions, and 3 short-answer questions dealing with linguistics of the Vietnamese language. The second subtest has 10 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions on literary and cultural texts and traditions; and 10 multiple-choice questions, 1 short-answer and 1 extended constructed-response question dealing with cultural analysis and comparisons. The third subtest has 10 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question on Vietnamese language listening comprehension; 10 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question on Vietnamese language reading comprehension; 1 short-answer question and 1 extended constructed-response question on Vietnamese language and written expression; and 2 short-answer questions on Vietnamese oral expression.

The first CSET — Vietnamese subtest is broken down into a section on general linguistics, and a section on Vietnamese language and linguistics. The general linguistics portion covers the nature of language, language use, and applied linguistics. The section dealing specifically with the Vietnamese language covers language structures, error analysis, the ability to contrast Vietnamese language with English, and sociolinguistics, including an understanding of the formation of dialects.

The second CSET — Vietnamese subtest covers literary and cultural texts of the Vietnamese language. Included in this are an understanding of the major movements, genres, writers, and works. It also includes analysis of literary and cultural texts including novels, plays, and music. The second section of the second subtest requires the candidate to demonstrate knowledge of cultural perspectives, cultural practices, and cultural products of Vietnam. This includes knowledge of Vietnamese architecture, art, entertainment, and fashion.

The third CSET — Vietnamese subtest is broken down into sections on listening comprehension of Vietnamese, written expression in Vietnamese, and oral expression in Vietnamese. The listening comprehension section tests literal comprehension, inferential and interpretive comprehension, and the ability to critically analyze spoken Vietnamese to determine the speaker's point of view and the appropriateness of the speaker's tone to the given audience. The written communication section tests the candidate's ability to literally translate Vietnamese to English, to understand inference and interpretation in written Vietnamese, and to critically analyze Vietnamese texts, and to write fluently in Vietnamese. The final section is on oral communication in Vietnamese. This section tests the candidate's ability to effectively communicate in Vietnamese in unusual circumstances.