Every year on February 21, people around the world come together to celebrate International Mother Language Day, as established by UNESCO back in 1999. This initiative aims to raise awareness about linguistic and cultural diversity, and, more significantly, to promote the preservation and protection of all languages spoken by peoples worldwide. This year, various events took place across Vietnam and the Vietnamese diaspora, reflecting the importance of honoring the Vietnamese language.
One of the most significant events occurred last week in Quang Nam province, where scholars gathered for a discussion entitled "Truyện Kiều and the Great Poet Nguyễn Du in Vietnamese Culture." The forum focused on connecting Việt language preservation efforts with the rich literary heritage embodied by the famous epic poem, Truyện Kiều. This timeless work by Nguyễn Du has long been regarded as the soul of the Vietnamese language. The phrase, "Truyện Kiều còn tiếng ta còn. Tiếng ta còn nước ta còn," quoted from scholar Phạm Quỳnh, highlights the intrinsic relationship between the language and national identity.
At the event, discussions encouraged attendees to think critically about their responsibilities to preserve and promote their mother tongue. It served as both celebration and reminder of the vibrant linguistic identity of the Vietnamese people. The long-standing impact of Truyện Kiều extends beyond literature; it encompasses the essence of Việt culture, leading to the formation of numerous cultural groups and publications dedicated to its study. A foundation called the "Preservation and Promotion of the Heritage of Nguyễn Du and Truyện Kiều" has also been established to support related research and publishing projects.
Meanwhile, across the globe, Vietnamese communities are making strides to maintain cultural ties and promote language learning for the next generation. The Đại Việt Language and Culture Institute, located in the heart of Fukuoka, Japan, serves as a model for this effort. Founded by Nguyễn Duy Anh, it is dedicated to teaching Vietnamese to children of Vietnamese descent living abroad. Upon the backdrop of the new lunar year, students engaged with customs like giving lucky money and sharing stories about Vietnam's Tet celebrations. According to Nguyễn Duy Anh, "We created this school to resonate with the cultural roots of our children, enabling them to appreciate where they come from."
His initiative, started with only eight students, faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic but was relaunched with new vigor. Now, with support from the local Vietnamese consulate and Vietnamese community organizations, the school has continued to grow. Classes are structured to cater to the varying ages and proficiency levels of students, dividing them between younger and older children. The establishment of the "Vietnamese Book Shelf" at the school signifies another poignant effort to make Vietnamese literature accessible to students, even outside regular classes. Launched on August 20, 2023, this resource provides materials appropriated for language learners.
Community involvement has remained key to the success of such initiatives. Local parents have established forums for discussion on educational practices, helping improve students' learning experiences. One parent, Nguyễn Thế Vinh, shared how he encourages his child to study Vietnamese to maintain family connections back home. Another parent, Chị Trang, expressed hope for her children to learn their cultural heritage, stating, "Teaching them Vietnamese allows them to connect meaningfully to their roots."
The student language competition titled "Em yêu tiếng Việt" held recently attracted over 200 participants from primary to high school levels. This event invites students to convey their language knowledge through quizzes and activities, fostering enthusiasm for learning among young Vietnamese speakers.
Moving forward, 2025 marks significant anniversaries for Nguyễn Du, and top community leaders, including Nguyễn Duy Anh, are planning to organize more cultural events to celebrate his literary legacy. It is here, among the discussions and activities around language preservation and cultural acknowledgment, where the future of Vietnamese language and culture lies. They envisage building on their successes by introducing innovative teaching methods and online resources, reaffirming their dedication to this cause.
With the continuing efforts to conserve and celebrate the Vietnamese language across the globe, from Fukuoka to Quang Nam, there's hope for the rich cultural heritage to flourish and inspire future generations. The timeless works of figures like Nguyễn Du serve as guiding lights, ensuring the Vietnamese language remains vibrant, connecting every Vietnamese person back to their roots.