Efforts to preserve and promote the Vietnamese language among expatriate communities have been gathering pace, ensuring the language remains vibrant even far from its homeland. The passion and dedication shown by community leaders like Nguyễn Thị Liên, along with government initiatives, highlight the significance of the Vietnamese language for maintaining cultural identity and connection among the Vietnamese diaspora.
Bà Nguyễn Thị Liên, the founder of the Vietnamese Language Club in Malaysia, has devoted over ten years to nurturing the love for Vietnamese among children of expatriates. She moved to Kuala Lumpur more than ten years ago, after earning her degree from Hanoi University of Education and serving as a high school teacher for 12 years. Liên felt the pang of separation from her teaching career but soon found new purpose in her work overseas.
"More than ten years ago, my family moved to Malaysia. I graduated from the Vietnamese Department and had twelve years of experience teaching high school. I missed the classroom significantly," recalls Liên. Encouraged by Trần Thị Chang, President of the Vietnamese Women’s Association in Malaysia, she accepted the challenge of founding Vietnamese classes for the community. The first two classes officially launched on October 16, 2016, marking the beginning of her inspiring initiative.
Though starting such classes was challenging, learner engagement has evolved. Initially, many families did not see the necessity of Vietnamese lessons, often considering international schools for their children. Liên adjusted her teaching methods to address the diverse backgrounds and preferences of her students, ensuring classes were both flexible and engaging.
"Teaching Vietnamese abroad is different from teaching local students. Our students vary significantly, so we needed to customize lessons based on their capabilities and goals," Liên explains. Efforts to provide diverse and adaptable teaching increased participation rates, allowing families to appreciate the importance of the Vietnamese language over time.
Among the cultural events organized, performances during Mid-Autumn Festival, International Children’s Day, and Tết gave the children the chance to display their Vietnamese skills, captivating their parents. Activities such as donning traditional áo dài and participating in folk games increased community interest and instilled pride among parents eager for their children to speak Vietnamese fluently.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, as physical classes had to pause due to national lockdowns. Despite these setbacks, the situation was adapted quickly, introducing online classes, which not only continued educational efforts but also expanded accessibility to children living far from major cities.
"During the pandemic, as schools turned to online learning, we adapted and were fortunate to gain parental support. Our student numbers increased significantly during this period," Liên shares. The online format allowed her to reach students who previously could not attend classes due to distance.
Another remarkable initiative supporting Vietnamese language education abroad is the Vietnamese Language Center established 20 years ago in Prague, Czech Republic. Thousands of children born and raised there have benefitted from Vietnamese instruction, as emphasized by Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính during his speeches highlighting the significance of fostering Vietnamese culture among expatriates.
"Vietnamese is the bridge among generations, helping the youth abroad understand and take pride in our cultural traditions," remarked Phạm Minh Chính.
This commitment from both community leaders and government officials showcases the continued recognition of the importance of language preservation. Recent initiatives have involved various programs such as teaching workshops, competitions for Vietnamese language ambassadors, and engaging youth through education on national television, fostering linguistic roots among communities worldwide.
Bà Liên notes, "We must encourage cultural activities during key events like Tết Nguyên đán and prepare dedicated teachers to effectively teach the language across Vietnamese communities, so children develop strong ties to their heritage. The persistence of each family, nurturing the Vietnamese language, directly contributes to its vitality abroad."
The sentiments shared by diverse individuals during events such as the Xuân Quê hương provide enriching experiences for both participants and onlookers. They exemplify community cohesion and collective goal-setting, empowering Vietnamese citizens worldwide to thrive together, irrespective of their physical location.
With increasing support from embassies and awareness campaigns, the Vietnamese language continues to flourish among expatriate communities, solidifying cultural legacy and community bonds for generations. Engaging program structures and passionate advocates like Nguyễn Thị Liên epitomize the spirit driving these efforts, thereby ensuring the vibrancy of the Vietnamese language and culture lives on through future generations.