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Technology to support Vietnamese language learning

Nguyen Anh Kiet, the CEO of Kan-tek, specializing in creating applications and websites for US businesses understands the concerns of overseas Vietnamese parents who witness their children losing touch with the Vietnamese language. To address the high costs and inconvenience of traditional learning centers, Kiet has developed a technological solution: the ABC Tieng Viet mobile app.

ABC Tieng Viet, a mobile application that teaches Vietnamese for communication to children of Vietnamese origin. (Photo: ABC Tieng Viet)

With its mission to bridge the Vietnamese language and culture, ABC Tieng Viet not only teaches children how to communicate naturally in Vietnamese but also weaves cultural values and distinctive customs into each lesson. "By incorporating courteous expressions like 'da', 'thua', and 'vang a' into our curriculum, we ensure that children learn more than just the language. They also gain an appreciation and understanding of Vietnamese culture," Kiet explained to the media.

This app enables students to study at any time and place with a tablet or cell phone. It features a bilingual English-Vietnamese interface with pronunciation, recording, and voice adjustment capabilities. By mid-September 2024, the ABC Tieng Viet app garnered over 10,000 downloads on Google Play, demonstrating its attractiveness and the significant potential of technology in preserving the Vietnamese language and culture.

Lively, interactive

In addition to ABC Tieng Viet, other technological platforms like Zoom, Google Classroom, and language learning apps such as Duolingo have played a significant role in teaching Vietnamese to communities overseas. For instance, Duolingo's gamification approach has made learning Vietnamese more accessible and engaging, helping to sustain motivation throughout the lessons.

At a seminar on the application of information technology in teaching Vietnamese to Viet people abroad in 2022, Associate Professor Dr. Do Phuong Thao, lecturer at Hanoi National University of Education, said that tools such as PowerPoint, Video Editor, and YouTube have helped her create lively lectures, increasing interaction for students living far away. In addition, online classroom management software such as Google Classroom also supports teachers to connect with parents and monitor students' learning process effectively.

"Digital learning resources are incredibly varied and abundant, enabling teachers to tailor their lessons to each group of students," Thao noted. These resources assist teachers in reducing preparation time and foster engagement and enthusiasm among learners, particularly the younger ones.

Since 2021, Pham Phi Hai Yen, a Vietnamese language instructor at Kobe City Children's College in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, has been offering an online course titled "Liu Lo tieng Viet." The course is designed to spread knowledge of the Vietnamese language and culture among children overseas. Conducted twice a week, the course's students are divided into two groups: newbies and students who have basic communication skills. This division allows Yen to customize her teaching methods according to each group's proficiency, creating a comfortable and pressure-free learning environment.

Hai Yen opened a "Liu Lo tiếng Viet" class for Vietnamese children from 2021. (Photo: Pham Phi Hai Yen)

Yen also holds the view that integrating language instruction with cultural education is crucial: "Children must comprehend their heritage and culture to foster a genuine desire to learn Vietnamese." This approach not only piques their curiosity but also instills a sense of national pride among Vietnamese children abroad.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thien Nam from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, also recounted his experience of teaching Vietnamese online to a seven-year-old girl in the United States. His approach to teaching pronunciation through the internet, coupled with a well-structured study schedule, enabled the young student to rapidly learn letter recognition and correct pronunciation, fostering a stronger bond with her cultural heritage.

"Teaching Vietnamese goes beyond language instruction; the teacher also acts as a cultural ambassador. A deep understanding of Vietnamese culture and the adept integration of its teachings enable students abroad to not only master the language but also embrace the national identity," stated Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thien Nam.

Preserve Vietnamese with technology

In 2022, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, initiated the "Vietnamese Language Teaching Channel for Overseas Vietnamese," offering numerous online Vietnamese courses at the elementary level to overseas Vietnamese across nearly 20 countries globally. This significant advancement in the "Project for Enhancing Online Vietnamese Language Teaching for Overseas Vietnamese" aids in the enhancement of Vietnamese language proficiency among overseas Vietnamese students, while also preserving and promoting the national cultural identity.

This educational channel utilizes a Vietnamese language teaching system via a sophisticated and contemporary platform, designed to enhance the Vietnamese language proficiency of learners during the 4.0 industrial revolution era. It includes a Blended class model package, offering free pilot training for overseas Vietnamese to become Vietnamese language teachers upon their return to Vietnam.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, the Principal of the School, stated: "We are diligently working to finalize online programs and classes tailored for overseas Vietnamese, prioritizing the intermediate level (levels 3 and 4 of the Vietnamese Language Competency Framework). Our goal is to organize, manage, and run a variety of courses that cater to overseas Vietnamese from all walks of life and varying needs, in line with the 6-level Vietnamese Language Competency Framework, and to complete a series of online teaching materials, including videos for passive course programs and interactive modules."

Although technology has helped ease the difficulties of teaching and learning Vietnamese remotely, there are still many challenges. Many Vietnamese families living abroad in economically challenged countries face challenges in accessing modern technology and stable internet connections. Nonetheless, with ongoing technological advancements and enhancements in educational methodologies, these issues may slowly be overcome.

Language learning apps and online courses are increasingly creating new possibilities, not just for the younger generation overseas but also for Vietnamese communities globally. The fusion of technology and education is poised to remain a key factor in preserving and enhancing the Vietnamese language for future generations.

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