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Eager to read Vietnamese books

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.

"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," Bich Ngoc talked to the VietnamTimes.

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.

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

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 SCOV and the VEPH. To date, they are present in Fukuoka (Japan), Budapest (Hungary), Taiwan (China), Paris (France), Prague and Brno (Czech Republic).

In addition to building and operating pilot Vietnamese Bookcases, the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs and the Vietnam Education Publishing House also closely coordinate with Vietnamese representative agencies abroad to introduce Vietnamese books to community libraries and build Vietnamese corners in many countries. They also research an operating mechanism to expand the introduction of Vietnamese books to public libraries around the world.

“The Vietnamese bookshelf brings us many good books, imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity. Reading books in our mother tongue, sent from our homeland, makes us very emotional. The bookshelf also helps the young generation of Vietnamese abroad better understand the language and their roots. This is also the wish of the previous generation”, said My Dung in Taiwan (China).

According to Nong Khac Duy, a member of the Student Association in Hungary, as a young Vietnamese abroad, they yearn to better understand the Vietnamese language and national culture. The Vietnamese bookshelf with many good books has brought them various values, contributing to nurturing love for the homeland and national pride in the Vietnamese community.

Continue to Research and Compile books for overseas Vietnamese communities

Pham Vinh Thai, editor-in-chief of VEPH, shared with the VietnamTimes 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 VEPH, in collaboration with the SCOV, 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 two agencies will continue to research and compile Vietnamese language textbooks suitable for the language and characteristics of each host community. They will also expand the model of Vietnamese language training classes for people living abroad.

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