The Tủ sách Tiếng Việt project has become an invaluable resource for Vietnamese expatriates worldwide, particularly children and adults striving to maintain their language and cultural identity. The project, initiated by the Nhà xuất bản Giáo dục Việt Nam (NXBGDVN) alongside UBNN về NVNONN, aims to provide extensive Vietnamese educational materials to facilitate language learning outside of Vietnam.
For many years, the Vietnamese government has placed significant emphasis on preserving and promoting Vietnamese culture among communities residing abroad. This initiative reflects broader efforts to improve the efficiency of Vietnamese language teaching by establishing libraries—referred to as Tủ sách Tiếng Việt—in various locations where Vietnamese expatriates gather. It’s noteworthy how these efforts resonate with the cultural and educational aspirations of many who wish to retain their heritage.
One of the distinguishing features of this project is the release of comprehensive teaching materials, such as the "Chào Tiếng Việt" series authored by Dr. Nguyễn Thụy Anh, which debuted its first two volumes in 2022, targeted at children aged 6 to 15. Not only did these books win the prestigious A Prize at the 6th National Book Award in 2023, but they also serve as foundational resources aimed at making the process of learning Vietnamese engaging and accessible.
Further reinforcing the reach of this initiative, NXBGDVN has collaborated with the Ban Truyền hình Đối ngoại (VTV4) to produce and broadcast television programs dedicated to teaching Vietnamese to children living abroad. This program, which has been airing since April 2023, utilizes various platforms to target the vast Vietnamese diaspora, fostering linguistic skills among younger generations.
The Tủ sách, which contains diverse materials ranging from storybooks and reference guides to dictionaries and culture-related literature, aims to cater to the varied needs of Vietnamese speakers at different proficiency levels. The standard Tủ sách is expected to house around 500 books, with smaller collections holding approximately 300 titles and larger ones up to 700.
To date, there have been eight Tủ sách established across six countries and territories, including Japan, Hungary, Taiwan, France, the Czech Republic, and Australia. The initiative is set to expand with plans to establish six more Tủ sách by the end of 2025, reflecting both the growing demand and the commitment of government bodies to support Vietnamese communities abroad.
The importance of this project cannot be overstated; it has already generated meaningful engagement and appreciation within the expatriate community. For example, Mr. Nông Khắc Duy from Hungary emphasizes the impact of Tủ sách by stating, "Là thế hệ trẻ người Việt sống ở nước ngoài, chúng tôi rất mong muốn có thêm hiểu biết về tiếng Việt và văn hoá dân tộc. Tủ sách tiếng Việt với nhiều cuốn sách hay đã đem đến cho chúng tôi rất nhiều giá trị, góp phần làm tăng tình yêu quê hương và tự hào dân tộc trong cộng đồng người Việt." His words capture the longing among the youth for connection with their roots and the value these resources provide.
The Tủ sách Tiếng Việt project has not only facilitated language learning but has also played a key role in cultural preservation, strengthening ties among the Vietnamese diaspora. Its design is user-friendly and adaptable to various community sizes, showcasing practical and thoughtful solutions to meet the needs of learners and educators alike. With the inclusion of QR codes linking to relevant educational materials and programs, these Tủ sách serve as gateways to the broader world of Vietnamese culture and language.
The initiative has achieved recognition, recently winning the Second Prize at the Xth National Information Award for Foreign Affairs—a clear sign of its success and significance. Moving forward, NXBGDVN and UBNN về NVNONN remain dedicated to enhancing the scope of this initiative, ensuring it continues to meet the expectations and aspirations of the Vietnamese communities it serves.
Overall, the Tủ sách Tiếng Việt has emerged as much more than just educational resources; it stands as a meaningful gift—a source of pride and cultural affirmation for Vietnamese expatriates. Through these libraries, efforts to uphold the Vietnamese language and identity flourish, fostering love for the homeland and promoting cultural exchange among generations.