Shadowing Practice: Hanoi pushes public spaces renovation | Vietnam Today - Learn English Speaking with Video
Creating lesson...
1
Now you know Hanoi is undergoing for some exciting transformations and the efforts have been ramping up even further this year.
2
Yes, exactly.
3
Since early 2025, the city has intensified its effort to improve public spaces.
4
Notably, the Shark Jaw building has been demolished.
5
The Tolik River cleanup project has officially begun.
6
Let's hear more about these changes from our reporter Hainam.
7
The removal of the shark job building has significantly expanded the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuok Square to nearly 1.4 hectare,
8
adding a whole spacious pedestrian zone to the heart of Hanoi.
9
Right here at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuok Square, where the Hanoi Old Quarter meets the Hoan Kiêm Lake, change is all around.
10
What used to be a crowded concrete corner has been opened into a cleaner, open public space stone benches,
11
pedestrian friendly paths, new lights and trees, all the touches that make this area more inviting.
12
A quick stopover is transforming into a true community spot.
13
What a place to enjoy a sip of coffee and feel the rhythm of the city.
14
It's only phase one, but after seeing it on TV I had to come.
15
The square is really beautiful and open.
16
I've lived here since 1957.
17
The old building was part of Hanoi's memories, but the renovation is improving this area.
18
You can have lots of activities here.
19
Maybe you can have parades, maybe concerts you can have here, things to celebrate as well.
20
Yeah, I think it's very important to have open space.
21
Several other buildings around the square have also been revamped or restored to their original designs, bringing back the capital city's urban memories.
22
Another project drawing wide attention is the cleanup of the Tolik River.
23
With clean water recently replenished from the West Lake, the Tolik has turned green again,
24
and life has been visible in what was once infamously called Hanoi's Dead River.
25
The river used to be murky and smelly, now it's clear with fish swimming freely.
26
It's exciting to see.
27
As part of the cleanup efforts, Hanoi is also carrying out water regulation works on the Tolic River,
28
including one of the three wheels now nearing completion.
29
Beyond their main function of retaining water, these projects also aim to enhance the river's landscape and create additional public spaces.
30
Now exciting developments are underway to transform public spaces with some major renovation projects underway in the heart of the city.
31
That is right.
32
And the following phase, one of the Nông Kinh Nghia Thupt Square renovation phase 2,
33
will involve rebuilding street, repaving with stone and creating a three-level underground space for cultural, commerce and parking.
34
Additionally, Hanoi is launching two major projects in earlier October,
35
a 2.14-hectare square park near Hoan Kiiem Lake and a 14-kilometer riverside park along the Tô Lịch River.
36
These projects aim to create green community spaces while enhancing the city's ecological and cultural offering.
37
And these developments have certainly caught the attention of the public both here and abroad.
38
To provide more insight into these changes, we're joined by Dr. Tô Kien,
39
Senior Planner at 8 Japan Engineering Consultants in Tokyo and a leading expert on Vietnam public spaces.
40
Dr. Tô Kiên, it's a pleasure to have you with us today.
41
What's your assessment of recent changes in Hanoi's landscape and public spaces?
42
Thank you for the interview.
43
Over the past years, Hanoi has really stepped up its game in renovating landscapes and expanding public spaces and adding greenery.
44
Two projects I think really stand out.
45
Tung Kinh Nghia Tuk Square and the revival of the Torik River.
46
These spaces aren't just urban spaces.
47
They are symbols of the city, city.
48
As an expert in public spaces, I'm truly excited that the city is actually put it onto its agenda.
49
And that's it.
50
Don't get into square after phase one, triggered a strong public reaction.
51
Mostly it was an impression of how it looked.
52
I could see as a clear sign of how much symbolic public spaces like this connect with the collective emotion.
53
Yes, and so to adding on that, I would like to add Hanoi is now has announced and is preparing to launch major projects to renovate public spaces,
54
particularly around Han Kiiem Lake and the To Lik River.
55
So what is your opinion with these projects and what should be taken into consideration during their implementation?
56
Well, I think it's very encouraging
57
that Hanoi is launching two major projects in symbolic public spaces that get a lot of attention.
58
For East Hogan Square, the planning processes have been transparent and involved public consultation.
59
So overall, I think people are responding positively.
60
More open space, more trees, more seating, easy access to community activities.
61
And sure, there are still comments about materials and landscaping, but compared to many other projects, I think this is a good example of consultation and consensus building.
62
So even at this stage, I think the city can still apply participatory and co-design approach with residents
63
and tourists and small pilot tests before a full rollout should work well.
64
And as for the Tonic River Parks, if done right, I think it can become a 14-kilometer green
65
and cultural corridor and a highlight for the city's landscape and a walking green space.
66
It can become an open-air museum, a hub for community, tourism activities, and turning a river memory into a vibrant public space.
67
I think Tunic can become Cheong-Gee Cheong, inspired by Seoul's hugely successful restoration project.
68
So now the big challenge is sustainability, how to maintain the water level
69
and ensuring water supply i think in a city with many historical
70
and cultural layers like hanoi public space development needs a multi-level strategy based on three keyboards green open
71
and adaptive the two new square at huan kim lake
72
and the expanded batting square they aren't just urban spaces they are the city's living rooms,
73
venues for gatherings, for major national and community events.
74
The Torik Riverside parks send different messages from a wound, you know, an urban wound,
75
to a symbol of revival and healing the environment and restoring community trust.
76
But the underground infrastructure like drainage, you know, just as important.
77
Hanoi also need plans for climate change,
78
building resilience into the design so public spaces truly acts as the city's living lungs.
79
On the community levels, the challenge is the fair access.
80
Public spaces should exist in every neighborhood.
81
Design and management should evolve the community so the residents feel that their co-ownership and then helping maintain and shape them spaces.
82
That's when public spaces really come alive and connected.
83
So by linking symbolic and ecological and community levels,
84
Hanoi can build sustainable public spaces strategies and send a message to the world that it is a city that is vibrant,
85
that is open and respectful of people and nature.
86
And drawing from many lessons from around the world, I think the pub can become creative living lab,
87
you know, for the startups and then new technologies and sport activities and if done well,
88
Hanoi can still keep the ancient charm while promoting modernity
89
and the public spaces can become like a threat that connects the whole city and showcase Vietnam to the world.
90
Dr. Tukian, thank you so much for your insights.
Why practice speaking with this video?
Engaging with the video titled "Hanoi pushes public spaces renovation" offers a lively context for English speaking practice. The discussion surrounding urban transformation provides learners with rich vocabulary related to city planning, environmental initiatives, and community engagement. By watching and speaking along with the video, you can effectively utilize the shadowing technique. This practice allows you to mimic the speaker's intonation, rhythm, and pronunciation, greatly enhancing your English pronunciation skills. As you delve into the narrative of Hanoi's public space renovation, remember that this real-world application makes learning both enjoyable and insightful.
Grammar & Expressions in Context
Within the transcript, several key phrases and structural elements stand out:
- "has been demolished": This present perfect tense structure indicates an action completed recently which has significance in the present. It’s useful for discussing changes that affect current situations.
- "is transforming": The present continuous form emphasizes ongoing change. Using this verb tense can help communicate current experiences effectively.
- "aim to create": This phrase introduces intentions or objectives and is great for expressing future goals or plans. Incorporating this structure can enhance your clarity in discussions about aspirations.
- "is truly excited": Using "is" with an adjective conveys strong emotions, allowing for more engaging conversations.
Common Pronunciation Traps
While practicing the phrases from the video, be mindful of the following pronunciation challenges:
- "Tô Lịch River": The 'Tô' may be tricky, as it includes a tonal element. Practice saying it in context to ensure clarity and accuracy.
- "community spaces": Watch for the joining of sounds, and ensure you distinguish the 'ty' in "community" to avoid blending it with 'spaces'.
- "public spaces": Pay attention to the stress on "pub-" to pronounce it correctly and convey the intended meaning significantly.
Applying these insights during your shadow speech practices can enhance your fluency and confidence. By improving your English pronunciation through targeted repetition and practice, you'll find yourself more adept at navigating conversations about urban development, cultural enhancements, and community engagement.
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.