Vietnamese Language Preservation Efforts Expand Globally

The Communist Party of Vietnam's Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW, dated August 2, 2026, strategically positions the preservation of the Vietnamese language as a key vision, aiming to mobilize resources from the Vietnamese community abroad and promote Vietnamese cultural values globally. This resolution views the Vietnamese language not merely as a tool for communication but as a crucial element in safeguarding national identity and cultural heritage. Strengthening ties with overseas Vietnamese, often referred to as "Viet Kieu," and fostering their interest in their mother tongue are considered essential for expanding the nation's soft power. Recent initiatives have seen increased support for Vietnamese language education and cultural exchange events within overseas Vietnamese communities. Notably, the introduction of the first computer-based Vietnamese language proficiency test abroad offers a more accessible opportunity for "Viet Kieu" and Vietnamese language learners to demonstrate their achievements in a globally recognized format. Furthermore, a contest to preserve the Vietnamese language among young people, held in Japan, underscores the importance of language transmission to the next generation. Such initiatives encourage younger Vietnamese living abroad to maintain their roots and pride in Vietnamese culture. Additionally, the honoring of a Vietnamese lecturer abroad as the "2026 Vietnamese Language Ambassador" officially recognizes their contributions to language dissemination and sets a positive example for others. These activities highlight the Vietnamese government's commitment to language preservation as part of its national strategy with an international perspective. Under Vietnam's single-party system, cultural policies are often closely linked to national unity and the cultivation of national consciousness. The preservation and promotion of the Vietnamese language are thus considered vital measures for Vietnam, as it continues its economic growth, to maintain its cultural distinctiveness while enhancing its presence on the international stage. This cultural distinctiveness could indirectly contribute to strengthening its regional influence, particularly in relation to China.