At the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, the drive to learn Vietnamese has captivated both the young and old. Since June 2022, Vietnamese language classes have not only been about words and phrases but have blossomed as cultural bridges for members of the local community.
"Anyone can learn, as long as they love Vietnamese," shared Thich Phap Quang, one of the leading monks teaching at the monastery. Initially, the classroom saw 15 eager students, with ages ranging from just 5 years old to 71. The classes have now welcomed over 30 more individuals, showcasing Singapore's commitment to promoting Vietnamese culture through language.
The students at Truc Lam aren't deterred by challenging circumstances. Thich Phap Quang recalls early teaching sessions conducted under candlelight on rainy nights. Despite continuous power outages due to the economic crisis affecting Sri Lanka, children flocked to the monastery each evening at 6:30, ready to learn. "The language is the path for them to see the world," he explained, clearly motivated by the unwavering dedication of his students.
The excitement doesn't just stop at the classroom; songs are instrumental to the learning process. From traditional Vietnamese folk songs to contemporary hits, students are enthusiastic about engaging with the material. The educational approach even includes simple yet poignant childhood songs like "Kìa con bướm vàng" and "Con cò bé bé," which students have quickly embraced. "After learning Vietnamese, they can communicate with relatives," expressed local community parents, thrilled to see their children forge connections with their roots.
Despite the challenges of limited resources, the students remain devoted. They gather daily for lessons, motivated by their love for the Vietnamese language and its culture. Thich Phap Quang expresses hope for establishing even more extensive connections, stating, "I hope to establish a small Vietnamese village here." He dreams of creating strong cultural ties, where local kids become ambassadors for Vietnamese traditions and values.
Former Vietnamese ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ho Thi Thanh Truc, has also been closely following these developments. Watching young children dressed in traditional Vietnamese ao dai singing Vietnamese songs at the monastery brought her to tears. "I believe the love for Vietnam will continue to grow among these kids," Truc noted, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange.
The language program has seen children coming full circle—they've even started teaching their parents Vietnamese. Thich Phap Quang proudly shares stories of how kids would return home after class to teach their families simple greetings like "Xin chào" (hello) and "Cảm ơn" (thank you). This interactive program doesn’t just solidify the children’s learning; it fosters familial connections through shared language and cultural appreciation.
Inclusivity remains the foundation of this language program. Thich Phap Quang has opened doors for everyone—regardless of age or background. "The classes do not discriminate; anyone can partake, provided they have affection for the Vietnamese language," he stated, inviting anyone who wishes to join. Students learn Vietnamese not merely as speech but as part of their identity, urging many to strive for fluency to explore beyond their homeland.
Reflecting on the resilience of these children, Theravada monks prioritize ensuring these programs thrive. The students routinely attend classes from Monday to Friday, demonstrating consistent engagement and commitment, even amid personal challenges such as the economic crisis.
The efforts at Truc Lam Zen Monastery stand as proof of the rewarding impact of language learning. This movement not only shapes bilingual youths but promotes unity across cultural boundaries. With plans underway to potentially standardize Vietnamese lessons within local schools as secondary language options, this initiative is setting the foundation for future generations.
Overall, Truc Lam Zen Monastery’s Vietnamese language programs symbolize more than education; they nurture cultural pride and international kinship. It serves as a vivid example of how language fosters connections, turning students and community members alike toward broader horizons.
