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For younger generations in the United States, Vietnam is no longer just a country undergoing transformation, it has emerged as a dynamic, globally integrated economy, with a rich and distinctive culture. Vietnamese, as a language, plays a pivotal role in shaping this evolving image.

Increasingly, universities across the U.S. are introducing Vietnamese language programs, not only for Vietnamese Americans but also for many Americans interested in the language of this S-shaped country. Among the notable institutions is Columbia University, an Ivy League school renowned for its academic excellence.

Master Nguyen Phuong Chung and students of the Vietnamese language class. Photo: Columbia University

Vietnam studies program at Columbia University

The Vietnam Studies Program at Columbia University was initiated by two Vietnamese-American professors, Lien Hang Nguyen and John Phan. Their vision received strong support and investment from Columbia University, enabling them to design and lead the program. According to Professor Lien Hang Nguyen, this is the only Vietnam Studies program in the U.S. that has two professors dedicated to the field. Complemented by the university's Vietnamese language department, staffed by native speakers, the program offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate courses, including studies in Vietnamese history.

Since its inception, the program has maintained close partnerships with leading academic institutions in Vietnam. Columbia's Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. This agreement lays the groundwork for collaborative opportunities in education, research, student and faculty exchange, and sharing expertise in university-level training.

Learning Vietnamese to connect with roots

Nguyen Phuong Chung, a lecturer and director of the Vietnamese language program within Columbia’s Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, notes a growing interest in Vietnamese among American students. There are two primary groups of learners, Vietnamese Americans seeking to reconnect with their cultural roots, and non-Vietnamese Americans drawn to the language and culture.

For many Vietnamese-American students, learning the language is deeply personal—a means to better understand their heritage and strengthen family ties. Through classroom lessons, students gain insight into Vietnam's unique cultural traditions, such as family dynamics, intergenerational relationships, and community values.

Luu Thi Tuong Vy, born and raised in San Diego, California, shared, "I want to learn Vietnamese to understand my family better. Growing up, there were moments when it was hard to express my feelings to my parents. I’m working to use Vietnamese more so I can bridge that gap." She also encourages young Vietnamese Americans to maintain their mother tongue, not only to connect with their roots but also to promote Vietnam’s culture and identity globally.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan met with Professor Lien-Hang Nguyen and Master Nguyen Phuong Chung at Columbia University during her working visit to the United Nations and the United States in March 2024. Photo: VNA

Vietnamese: Language of Peace

For non-Vietnamese learners, the appeal of Vietnamese lies in its cultural richness and historical significance. Jonathan Formella, for instance, was introduced to Vietnam through American and Western media. In 2023, he spent nearly a year in Hanoi, where he was deeply impressed by Vietnam's development, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture. "Vietnam and the U.S. share a unique history due to their past conflicts. I’m learning Vietnamese to show respect for the country, understand the bilateral relationship better, and appreciate Vietnam’s culture more deeply," Jonathan said.

Similarly, Sophie Arnstein, a student from Boston, Massachusetts, began learning Vietnamese to communicate with a close friend. Donning a traditional Ao Dai, Sophie shared, "Learning a language is key to understanding its culture. Vietnamese opened up a whole new world for me." After just a few months of study, Sophie traveled to Vietnam to explore landmarks like Hoi An Ancient Town, Hue Imperial City, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ha Long Bay. She expressed her growing connection to Vietnam and her hope to live and work there one day.

Vietnamese as Cultural Ambassador

According to Nguyen Phuong Chung, Vietnamese is more than just a language—it is a bridge connecting the Vietnamese diaspora and an invitation to international friends. With Vietnam’s rising global reputation, its culture and language have become ambassadors, presenting the image of a dynamic, prosperous country with a humanistic, progressive, and deeply rooted cultural identity.

Vietnamese language programs in U.S. universities are not only fostering cultural exchange but also strengthening Vietnam’s role as an active and responsible member of the global community. Through these efforts, Vietnam continues to shine as a nation that values its heritage while embracing the future.

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