In the era of economic integration and development, Vietnam is establishing itself as a rapidly globalizing nation, enhancing its economic, political, and diplomatic status on the world stage.
Recognizing the growing demand for Vietnamese language learning, the Hanoi National University of Education has announced plans to enroll students in a regular academic program for the Bachelor’s degree in Vietnamese Language and Culture starting in 2025. This initiative opens opportunities for learning and careers in response to societal needs.
The Vietnamese language's presence is increasingly significant internationally. In line with the Party and State's policies aimed at fostering a modern Vietnamese culture that balances advancement with national identity, teaching Vietnamese plays a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Tuan Anh, the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Literature at the university, conveyed that the institution will implement its first course in Vietnamese Language and Culture during the 2025 enrollment season. According to Dr. Anh, the Vietnamese language is unique compared to other languages, featuring complex tones, homophones, and intricate grammar, which necessitates a knowledgeable and well-prepared teaching force.
Today, numerous institutions, both domestic and international, including universities and training centers, offer Vietnamese language instruction to foreigners or Vietnamese expatriates. There's also a notable demand for teaching Vietnamese to special needs children, such as those diagnosed with autism or language difficulties, which has been rising recently.
The surge in demand for Vietnamese language education for foreigners living and working in Vietnam correlates with the country's economic, cultural, and tourism development. Vietnam attracts an increasing number of investors, experts, and workers from various countries, leading to a significant need for learning Vietnamese to facilitate communication and cultural understanding.
Statistics from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs indicate remarkable growth in foreign workers over the years—rising from 12,000 in 2005 to over 136,800 by the end of 2023, a nearly tenfold increase in 15 years. In addition, over 5 million Vietnamese people reside and work worldwide, highlighting the extensive need to maintain the national language and culture.
As a further testament to this demand, there are increasing initiatives in various countries, particularly where large Vietnamese communities exist or close ties with Vietnam are maintained. Many Vietnamese parents abroad wish for their children to learn Vietnamese to connect with their roots and preserve their cultural heritage. Businesses and investors globally are motivated to learn Vietnamese to communicate effectively with their Vietnamese counterparts.
In the U.S., Canada, Italy, Germany, and China, there are educational bodies fostering the teaching of the Vietnamese language and culture in public education systems, allowing students to engage with Vietnamese language and culture in structured formats.
Dr. Duong Tuan Anh noted that the Vietnamese Language and Culture program will enable students to delve into the intricacies of Vietnamese language, culture, and society—contributing to preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural heritage. This bilingual educational approach aims for a curriculum benefitting both Vietnamese and foreign students.
Graduates will have diverse employment opportunities, including roles in cultural information departments, libraries, media, diplomatic agencies, and education management in Vietnam and abroad, reflecting the program's versatility.
Students who complete their Bachelor’s in Vietnamese Language and Culture can also explore teaching Vietnamese as a foreign language or engaging in translation work across various institutions. Furthermore, they may pursue short-term certificates in tourism, event organization, and cultural promotion, catering to the growing demand in those industries.
In preparation for the Vietnamese Language and Culture program, the Hanoi National University of Education has been meticulously researching and preparing necessary conditions, including team qualifications, research outcomes, facilities, equipment, and library resources, to support the program effectively.
With over 70 years of history, the Faculty of Literature at the Hanoi National University of Education has long contributed to training and research in the field, cultivating qualified faculty to meet the demands of teaching Vietnamese language and culture at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Professor Duong Tuan Anh emphasized the comprehensive nature of the curriculum, which encompasses general knowledge, specialized subjects in Vietnamese linguistics, literature, and culture, along with vocational skills to guide students in their future careers.
The Faculty of Literature has been recognized as a leading institution in Vietnam for the number of successful projects and research publications related to Vietnamese language and culture, paving the way for a practical learning environment rooted in hands-on experience and expert guidance.
International collaboration is a vital component of the faculty's operations. For several years, the department has endeavored to expand partnerships with universities globally, creating effective cooperation for training and research. There are formal agreements with international institutions and the Vietnamese Ministry of Education to train overseas Vietnamese language educators, fostering language acquisition for Vietnamese people abroad.
As Vietnamese language instruction becomes commonplace in nations with extensive Vietnamese diasporas, such as Thailand, the interest in learning Vietnamese has surged among Thai students. Professor Anchalee Chansem from Srinakharinwirot University noted that Vietnamese serves as a beneficial tool for students seeking job opportunities, especially as the demand for professionals proficient in Vietnamese grows with the increased investment and business cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam.
Teaching Vietnamese in Thailand is elaborate, requiring educators to design lesson plans, lectures, and curricula suitable for various proficiency levels. The incorporation of engaging methods, such as games and contemporary media, has proven instrumental in making Vietnamese accessible and enjoyable for Thai learners.
As Vietnamese language education thrives in Thailand, similar trends manifest in prominent universities, including Chulalongkorn, Mahidol, and Thammasat, highlighting the increasing appreciation for Vietnamese culture and language in the region.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand supported the first Vietnamese Speaking Competition for university students in November 2024, reinforcing the commitment to promoting Vietnamese language instruction and cultural understanding among Thai students.
Such initiatives not only enrich students' educational experiences but also contribute to strengthening cultural ties and understanding between Vietnam and its neighbors, fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared growth.
As Vietnam continues to elevate its global presence, initiatives in Vietnamese language education play a significant role in bridging cultures and preparing future generations for a globalized world.
