In a vibrant initiative to promote the Vietnamese language among the diaspora, the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations has launched a free Vietnamese language class for children of the Vietnamese community in New York City. This program, in collaboration with the Vietnamese Language Program at Columbia University, aims to engage children aged 6 to 14, many of whom are born in the U.S. and have parents from foreign backgrounds.
During the opening ceremony, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, head of the Vietnamese Mission to the UN, emphasized the significance of preserving and promoting the Vietnamese language abroad, particularly in the U.S. He expressed confidence that the classes would be lively and filled with joy, embodying a spirit of learning through play. "These classes will not only enhance the children's Vietnamese language skills but also provide them with insights into our cultural traditions and history, thereby strengthening their connection to their homeland," said Ambassador Giang.
In addition to thanking Columbia University for its support, especially Professor Nguyen Lien Hang, the Director of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, and lecturer Nguyen Phuong Chung, Ambassador Giang highlighted the collaborative efforts in preserving Vietnamese language and culture. Professor Hang, representing the Vietnamese Language Program, expressed her honor in partnering with the Vietnamese diplomatic mission. She hopes that this initiative will inspire more interest in learning and teaching Vietnamese in New York.
Following the inauguration, the young students commenced their first lesson, which included spelling and pronunciation exercises, coupled with group activities led by volunteer instructors from Columbia University. This new Vietnamese language program is part of a broader effort to celebrate the "Day of Honoring the Vietnamese Language in the Vietnamese Community Abroad" on September 8 and to support the contest "Searching for Vietnamese Language Ambassadors Abroad 2025," initiated by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, the Spouses Association of the Vietnamese Delegation to the UN continues to conduct regular Vietnamese language and cultural classes for the children of Vietnamese officials in New York. These meaningful activities contribute to the ongoing efforts to foster a love for the Vietnamese language and culture among the younger generation.
In a related cultural endeavor, the first Vietnamese language oratory contest for foreigners in Central Vietnam is set to take place in Da Nang from March 20 to May 31, 2025. This contest aims to provide foreigners living, studying, and working in Vietnam with an opportunity to enhance their Vietnamese communication skills while deepening their understanding of Vietnamese culture, history, and people.
The contest is open to participants aged 18 and older and will feature teams composed of up to four official members and a maximum of 15 supporting members. The registration period runs from March 20 to May 9, 2025, with the preliminary round scheduled for May 10 to May 20, 2025. The finals will occur on May 30 and 31, 2025, at the University of Education - University of Da Nang.
Each team is required to submit two video clips: one showcasing their oratory skills in Vietnamese and another demonstrating their talents. The oratory video must include team introductions, reasons for participating, and a presentation on a chosen topic, such as Vietnamese culture or personal experiences in Vietnam. Teams are encouraged to be creative in their presentations, using various media to enhance their storytelling.
The total prize pool for this contest is nearly 60 million VND, with awards for the top teams, including one first prize, two second prizes, three third prizes, and several consolation prizes. This event aims to foster community ties between foreigners and the Vietnamese people while promoting friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and the world.
The University of Education - University of Da Nang has played a pivotal role in teaching Vietnamese to foreigners for over 20 years. With a well-structured curriculum and a team of experienced instructors, the university has significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of the Vietnamese language as a cultural bridge, showcasing the rich heritage of Vietnam worldwide.
As these initiatives unfold, they not only aim to enhance language skills but also to create lasting connections between the Vietnamese community abroad and their cultural roots. The efforts to promote the Vietnamese language and culture reflect a commitment to fostering a sense of identity and belonging among the younger generation, ensuring that the legacy of the Vietnamese language continues to thrive.
