Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – In a phenomenon that has left many astounded and a little concerned, the streets of Vietnam are flooded with self-proclaimed experts who have attained all their knowledge through podcasts hosted by none other than the infamous Jordan Peterson, Sam Harris, Douglas Murray and their ilk. These newfound English speakers, commonly known as the “Podcastholes,” have taken over the nation, armed with their proficiency in a language and a newfound sense of superiority.
Move over, traditional language learning methods. Say hello to “Asshole-English,” Vietnam’s latest craze, where being a pompous know-it-all is the ultimate goal. To become an expert in any subject and irritate those around you, simply give Jordan Peterson a listen, take his words as gospel, and voila – you’re now an English-speaking Einstein in the eyes of the locals!
It all started innocently enough. Vietnam, like many developing nations, has been on a quest to improve its English language proficiency. But alongside progress came a peculiar obsession with persona-driven podcasts and YouTube channels. The self-proclaimed experts who emerged from this linguistic evolution soon became a source of both amusement and irritation.
What has become crystal clear is that Vietnamese English speakers, fueled by their newfound linguistic skills, have transformed themselves into entitled and insufferable beings. Armed with half-digested intellectual jargon and a limited understanding of complex subjects, the Podcastholes have descended upon society, armed with the unwavering belief that their opinions are gold.
Don’t be surprised if you overhear a group of Vietnamese Podcastholes or Expats passionately debating a topic they barely grasp in broken English. From politics to psychology, these linguistic virtuosos traverse the landscape of expertise with ease, often citing Peterson as the ultimate authority on life’s mysteries.
Meanwhile, locals have started experiencing a rude awakening when encountering the Podcasthole species. A simple question about the weather can quickly lead to an unrequested lecture on neoliberalism and the hardships of being misunderstood. Instead of engaging in friendly conversation, ordinary Vietnamese citizens are now subjected to unsolicited opinions and pseudo-intellectual drivel, all packaged neatly in an insufferably self-assured tone.
As the consumption and promotion of English continue to rise, educators find themselves grappling with the consequences of this Podcasthole movement. Classroom discussions now focus less on practical language skills and more on conquering the intellectual realm by regurgitating douchebags’ latest pearls of wisdom. It seems that mastering the art of debate has taken precedence over honing genuine language proficiency.