Vietnamese Bookshelf: Connecting Overseas Vietnamese Community

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Vietnamese bookshelf

Every Saturday, 30 Vietnamese children eagerly attend Vietnamese language classes organized by the Vietnamese Association in Fukuoka, Japan. After learning the alphabet, phonics, and lessons, during playtime, the young students gather around the Vietnamese bookshelf where their teacher Le Thi Bich Ngoc, reads stories and books to them.

Vietnamese bookshelf in Fukuoka (Japan). Photo: Duy Anh

"The bookshelf has a rich and diverse collection of books and materials, helping children better access the Vietnamese language and culture. They are excited to read," shared Bich Ngoc. The Vietnamese bookshelf includes various types of books such as Vietnamese language teaching materials, children's comics (stories that develop intelligence and inspire, popular science books), reference materials, supplementary materials for advanced learning (including reference books to improve Vietnamese reading comprehension, introducing readers to the treasure trove of Vietnamese folklore and contemporary literature), and specialized materials on the Vietnamese language for teachers and researchers.

Additionally, the bookshelf provides QR codes that guide users to access the Vietnamese language learning program for overseas Vietnamese children based on the 'Chao tieng Viet' (Hello Vietnamese) series.

These Vietnamese bookcases are a joint initiative of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs and the Vietnam Education Publishing House.

After two years of implementation, six Vietnamese bookcases have been established in five countries Japan, Hungary, Taiwan, France, and the Czech Republic. Beyond organizing and piloting these Vietnamese bookcases to serve communities in various countries and provide Vietnamese books to enhance Vietnamese language teaching and learning, they have also collaborated with Vietnamese representative agencies in foreign countries to introduce Vietnamese books into community libraries and establish Vietnam corners in Japan, Qatar, Slovakia, Austria, and Belgium. Simultaneously, they are studying mechanisms to expand the distribution of Vietnamese books to public libraries worldwide.

Compiling books for overseas Vietnamese communities

Pham Vinh Thai, editor-in-chief of Vietnam Education Publishing House, shared with the Vietnam Times that 2023 marked the first year of collaboration between the Publishing House and the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs to establish Vietnamese bookcases for communities and donate them to Vietnamese representative agencies in several countries and territories.

These Vietnamese bookcases are designed for Vietnamese language learners (including first, second, third, and fourth-generation Vietnamese overseas, children from multicultural families with Vietnamese origins), Vietnamese language teachers, and researchers.

Vietnamese bookshelf in France. Photo: Nguyen Mai

Thai stated that the donated Vietnamese bookcases offer a diverse range of books and materials to cater to the varied needs of the overseas Vietnamese community. The Vietnam Education Publishing House, in collaboration with the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, has conducted surveys in various locations to determine the basic book collection requirements.

Subsequently, the book list is adjusted to suit the specific needs of each location, with a focus on increasing both the quantity and variety of books.

Guidelines for efficient and flexible bookshelf management are provided. "Through these bookcases, overseas Vietnamese generations can easily access Vietnamese culture, strengthen their love for their homeland, promote cultural exchange, and foster connections between Vietnamese people both at home and abroad. Notably, they contribute significantly to preserving the Vietnamese language," said Thai.

Thai affirmed that the Publishing House will continue to collaborate with the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs to research, compile, and develop Vietnamese language textbooks tailored to the specific language needs and characteristics of local communities. Additionally, they will expand the Vietnamese language training programs for overseas Vietnamese.

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