Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is ramping up efforts to preserve and promote the Vietnamese language among overseas communities, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding linguistic and cultural heritage.
The State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (COVA) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a ceremony in Hanoi on March 29 to launch the Day for Honouring Vietnamese Language, and the 2025 "Vietnamese Language Ambassador" contest.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang underscored the importance of promoting the Vietnamese language, describing it as more than just a means of communication—it is the soul of the nation and a reflection of its rich cultural identity. She emphasised that preserving the language serves as a crucial link connecting the Vietnamese diaspora with their homeland.
Reviewing two years of implementing the Day for Honouring Vietnamese Language initiative, she highlighted the diverse and vibrant activities organised worldwide, with active participation of domestic institutions, localities, and Vietnamese expatriates.
With the slogan "Preserving Vietnamese, Preserving National Identity," Hang called on Vietnamese communities abroad, associations, and individuals to contribute to the promotion of the language.
She stressed the importance of using Vietnamese not only within families but also in educational, professional, and international settings to uphold the nation's cultural heritage.
Tran Hong Van, the 2023 Vietnamese Language Ambassador, shared her insights on language preservation. As a researcher and lecturer at Charles Sturt University and principal of VietSchool in Australia, Van highlighted the significance of helping young overseas Vietnamese speak the language, embrace their cultural roots, and build a strong foundation for success anywhere in the world.
She also emphasised the collective efforts required to maintain the Vietnamese language and culture among younger generations abroad.
At the event, COVA Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Dong officially announced the launch of the 2025 "Vietnamese Language Ambassador" contest.
The competition aims to recognise individuals with outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting the language worldwide.
The ceremony reinforced Vietnam’s strong commitment to maintaining and spreading the Vietnamese language within the global diaspora.
With the support of government agencies, organisations, and expatriates, Vietnamese is set to thrive as a sustainable and shared cultural pride of the nation.
On this occasion, Vietnam Television’s VTV4 introduced new language-learning programmes, including "Vietnamese Is Not Difficult" and "Have Fun with Vietnamese," designed to make learning the language easier and more engaging for young overseas Vietnamese.
Additionally, the "Amazing Vietnamese" programme, co-produced by Vietnam Education Publishing House and VTV4, aims to support Vietnamese language education for children abroad through folk literature and cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, the Vietnam Studies Centre and the Cay Tre (Bamboo) Vietnamese Language School in Japan launched a Vietnamese speech contest, an art competition, and a cultural knowledge challenge.
They also unveiled a community-contributed Vietnamese book collection, providing a valuable platform for young Vietnamese in Japan to strengthen their ties with their homeland's language and culture./.
