Vietnamese Language Learning Initiatives are witnessing significant growth as communities strive to preserve their linguistic heritage. The efforts, which include workshops and personalized teaching methods, focus on promoting the Vietnamese language among younger generations, both within Vietnam and among the diaspora.
One notable example is musician Hồ Ngọc Hà, who is not only raising international twins Lisa and Leon but is also deeply committed to ensuring they learn Vietnamese. Despite their exposure to English and Swedish from their father, who is Swedish, Hà ensures the twins engage daily with their mother tongue. She often takes language books with her during travels to teach her children the fundamentals of Vietnamese phonetics. "Tiếng Việt rất khó học nên các bé sẽ nói và học tiếng Việt trước. Tiếng Anh, tiếng Thụy Điển chắc chắn các con sẽ nói hay và bắt đầu học sau cũng không sao," Hau shared, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing their native language skills.
On another front, the Vietnamese government is actively training teachers to improve the quality of Vietnamese language instruction abroad. Recently, at the conclusion of the workshop on teaching methods for Vietnamese language educators, Phó Chủ nhiệm Ủy ban Nhà nước về người Việt Nam ở nước ngoài Nguyễn Mạnh Đông expressed his gratitude to the instructors who create dynamic learning environments. He remarked, "...các thầy cô sẽ áp dụng thành công vào thực tiễn giảng dạy," highlighting the commitment to applying the newfound knowledge effectively.
The recent training program, held over two weeks from December 1 to December 13, attracted over 40 teachers from nine different countries, emphasizing the Vietnamese community's shared goal of preserving culture through language. With efforts spearheaded by Ủy ban Nhà nước về NVNONN and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the initiative aims not only to teach Vietnamese reading and writing but also to instill pride and cultural awareness among students.
Cô Hoàng Thị Lai, a Thai-born Vietnamese teacher, encapsulated the sentiment shared by many participants. After completing the workshop, she shared her intention to establish community classes to create platforms for learning and transmitting the Vietnamese language among younger generations. "Tôi mong muốn... thêm yêu, thêm gắn kết với Tổ quốc qua ngôn ngữ mẹ đẻ," said Lai, expressing her heartfelt hopes for the future of the Vietnamese language.
The workshop participants engaged with various interactive lessons and practical teaching sessions, fostering not just language skills but also enriching cultural knowledge. Educators experienced firsthand how cultural immersion can be integrated with language learning, thereby strengthening community ties.
These initiatives reflect the growing awareness and commitment within Vietnamese communities to maintain linguistic ties, especially among the youth who are often more exposed to dominant languages. By emphasizing love for their language and culture, these programs aspire to reshape the identity of Vietnamese expatriates, ensuring they remain connected to their roots.
Overall, the efforts by Hà and the education initiatives led by the government symbolize a multi-faceted approach to language learning which embraces both modern techniques and traditional values. By encouraging daily practice and community involvement, these initiatives are not only teaching language skills but also fostering cultural pride and continuity within the global Vietnamese community.
