Vietnam Launches Global Vietnamese Language Day, Expands Cultural Outreach to Overseas Communities

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: The State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 28 officially launched Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, alongside a programme to identify Vietnamese language ambassadors abroad for 2026.

Held in Hanoi, the event was connected online to more than 150 locations worldwide, including Vietnamese provinces, diplomatic missions, community associations, and language teaching centres, reflecting the growing global engagement of the Vietnamese diaspora.

In a video message, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng highlighted that the initiative has gained significant momentum in recent years, helping overseas Vietnamese preserve their cultural identity and strengthen ties with their homeland, particularly among younger generations.

She expressed optimism that the Vietnamese language would continue to serve as a vital cultural bridge and a means to promote Vietnam’s image globally.

Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs Nguyễn Trung Kiên underscored the importance of the language in preserving national heritage, noting that it plays a crucial role in connecting generations of Vietnamese people worldwide with their roots.

He emphasized that safeguarding the language, especially among younger members of the diaspora, is essential for maintaining cultural identity and fostering stronger community cohesion.

Reviewing progress over the past three years, Kiên noted that six Vietnamese language ambassadors were honored in 2025, while overseas communities received nine commemorative medals and 12 collections of Vietnamese-language books.

Professor Hoàng Anh Tuấn, President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under Vietnam National University – Hanoi, announced a strategic shift in the 2026 programme. Instead of a competitive format, the initiative will focus on recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting Vietnamese language and culture globally.

The event also featured a series of activities, including exhibitions, book launches, and presentations, with participation from key institutions such as the Vietnam Education Publishing House, VTV4, the Liaison Association for Overseas Vietnamese, and the Global Vietnamese Language Teaching Network.

Tuấn outlined several initiatives planned for 2026, including the launch of a free Vietnamese language teaching channel targeting overseas communities in 25 countries, around 30 training courses for community teachers, the introduction of AI-powered learning tools, academic conferences, and the preparation of a national report on Vietnamese language teaching abroad.

Students at the event demonstrated innovative AI-based applications designed to support Vietnamese language learning and teaching, highlighting the role of technology in preserving linguistic heritage.

Two Vietnamese language ambassadors also shared their experiences in promoting the language internationally. Nguyễn Thị Liên (Malaysia), the 2023 ambassador, and Lê Nguyễn Lưu An (Malaysia), the 2025 ambassador, spoke about their community-driven initiatives, including the establishment of a “Vietnamese Bookcase” in Kuala Lumpur, which has become a hub for cultural and educational activities.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnam Education Publishing House and VTV4 to enhance Vietnamese-language programming for overseas audiences.

The launch underscores a strong commitment by Vietnamese authorities and global communities to preserving and promoting the Vietnamese language as a unifying cultural force connecting Vietnamese people across the world.