Learning Platform Connects Young Overseas Vietnamese with Language, Culture

A new learning platform is gaining traction among young overseas Vietnamese (OV) looking to deepen their connection with the Vietnamese language and their homeland's culture. The initiative aims to provide a fundamental and sustainable solution to the lack of standardized, systematic Vietnamese-language education models and the fragmented, spontaneous nature of existing teaching activities, according to Phan Thi Quynh Trang, founder of CVCEC and project coordinator. Vietnamese language learning is seen not only as a way to enhance linguistic skills but also as a crucial avenue for OVs to connect with their roots and cultural heritage. In recent years, the preservation and transmission of the Vietnamese language among younger generations have become a concern within overseas Vietnamese communities, highlighting the demand for systematic learning opportunities. The platform aims to leverage online resources and interactive learning tools, enabling OVs to study at their own pace and convenience, regardless of time or location. The Vietnamese government is actively promoting language and cultural education to strengthen ties with its citizens living abroad, a policy aligned with its emphasis on national unity and solidarity with the diaspora under its one-party system. For Vietnam, with its ongoing economic growth, fostering connections with its global diaspora is also vital for expanding its economic and cultural influence. In the context of increasingly complex relations with China, Vietnam is placing a stronger emphasis on its own cultural identity. Therefore, encouraging young people abroad to engage with the Vietnamese language and culture holds significant long-term strategic value. Previous efforts to promote Vietnamese language and culture abroad include the debut of a Vietnamese-language tourism platform in Moscow and the reinforcement of Vietnamese language preservation by the Nguyen Du School in Laos. This new learning platform is expected to further accelerate these initiatives and create more opportunities for OVs to engage with the Vietnamese language and culture.