Vietnamese language education is gaining traction on the global stage, with passionate educators like Lanny Phetnion leading the charge. Earlier this September, Lanny, currently teaching at the National University of Laos, made her way to Vietnam to participate in the Vietnamese Language Celebration, where she was honored as one of the five Vietnamese Language Ambassadors for her significant contributions to promoting the language internationally.
Lanny’s connection to Vietnamese started during her high school years when she won a scholarship to study Vietnamese. Initially hesitant, she embraced the challenge, driven by her love for the language. "Many people asked me what the point of learning Vietnamese was or if it would lead to job opportunities. But out of love for the Vietnamese language, I decided to study it anyway," Lanny recounted. Over the years, her engagement with Vietnamese culture deepened, leading to her current role as a Vietnamese language educator.
Through her experience, Lanny had the opportunity to study at Hanoi National University, which significantly improved her language skills. After five years, she had made Vietnamese feel as familiar as her mother tongue. Graduated and eager to share her passion, Lanny opened a center to teach Vietnamese and launched Vietnamese language programs on national television. "This is also how I contribute to nurturing the special friendship between Laos and Vietnam," she stated.
Similarly, TS. Nguyễn Thế Dương found his motivation to teach Vietnamese abroad through his parental responsibilities. After relocating to Australia with his family, he recognized the importance of helping his child maintain ties with their cultural roots. What began as informal, free classes for local Vietnamese children evolved when TS. Dương collaborated with colleagues to create the curriculum titled “Tiếng Việt của em” (Your Vietnamese), published in 2019.
The creation of the Yêu Tiếng Việt school, dedicated to online Vietnamese language education for children of Vietnamese descent, marked another significant milestone in Dương's efforts. This initiative now reaches thousands of students from over 30 countries. "This is the most important thing—the reason we named the school 'Yêu Tiếng Việt'. When you love something, you will find ways to learn more about it effectively," he explained about their vision.
Significantly, Vietnamese has become the third most spoken language in Australia after English and Mandarin, showcasing its growing presence. Schools across Australia are now offering Vietnamese classes, reflecting increased cultural interest and support from the government and community members.
On June 11, 2024, San Francisco also made strides by adopting Vietnamese as one of its official languages, allowing more inclusive service delivery within its communities. This decision signals recognition of the Vietnamese-speaking population and their contributions to the city. Bà Trần Hồng Vân, another advocate for preserving Vietnamese culture abroad, emphasizes how maintaining the language fosters empathy, integration, and development among diverse communities.
At the academic level, renowned institutions such as Harvard University recognize the importance of teaching Vietnamese, having incorporated it as part of their curricula. TS. Ngô Như Bình, head of the program at Harvard, noted the establishment of Vietnamese language programs across multiple leading American universities, enhancing international engagement and cultural exchange.
Bà Vũ Thị Bích Diệp, Chairman of the Vietnamese Students Association in Italy, champions the cultural richness of the Vietnamese language, stating, "Culture is the core foundation creating the identity and value of a nation. It's our duty to preserve and promote our cultural heritage globally." Cultural centers and educational programs throughout Europe continue to provide platforms for teaching Vietnamese history, arts, and language, contributing to the preservation and appreciation of Vietnamese culture.
Vietnam's global initiatives around language and culture, led by dedicated individuals and communities, showcase the depth of commitment to preserving the Vietnamese identity. Through education and cultural exchange, these efforts enrich the lives of the diaspora and celebrate the soft power of Vietnam, creating lasting connections between the nation and its citizens abroad.