Preserving Heritage through Language

A new initiative aimed at fostering a deeper connection to Vietnamese heritage has been launched in the New York metropolitan area. on March 22nd, a complimentary Vietnamese language course commenced, specifically designed for children within the local Vietnamese community. This program is a collaborative effort between the permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations and the Vietnamese Language Program at Columbia University.

Cultivating Bilingualism: Course Details and Objectives

The course caters to students aged 6 to 14,many of whom were born in the United States. The curriculum is designed not only to enhance their Vietnamese language skills but also to immerse them in the rich cultural traditions and history of Vietnam. This approach aims to strengthen their ties to their ancestral homeland.

Leadership Perspectives on Language Preservation

ambassador dang Hoang Giang,head of the Vietnam Permanent Mission to the United Nations,emphasized the critical role of preserving and promoting the Vietnamese language among the diaspora,particularly within the United States. He expressed confidence that the course would provide an engaging and enjoyable learning experience for the children.

…improving their skills in Vietnamese, children will have the opportunity to discover the cultural traditions and the history of Vietnam, thus strengthening their links with the country of origin…
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Academic Partnership: Columbia University’s Role

Professor Nguyen Hang Link, representing the Vietnamese Language Program at Columbia University, conveyed her enthusiasm for the partnership with the Vietnamese diplomatic mission. She highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving vietnamese language and culture within the United States and expressed optimism that these joint ventures would inspire further initiatives in Vietnamese language education in New York.

…the honor of collaborating with the diplomatic mission of Vietnam to preserve Vietnamese language and culture in the United States…hope that these joint initiatives would bear fruit and encourage new efforts for teaching and learning Vietnamese in New York.
Professor Nguyen Hang Link, Columbia University

Beyond the Classroom: Continued Cultural Engagement

In addition to the newly launched course, spouses of members of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations regularly conduct Vietnamese language and culture lessons for the children of Vietnamese diplomats stationed in New York. This ongoing commitment underscores the dedication to maintaining cultural connections within the community.

The Growing Importance of Bilingualism

This initiative arrives at a time when the benefits of bilingualism are increasingly recognized. Studies show that bilingual children often exhibit enhanced cognitive abilities, including improved problem-solving skills and greater mental adaptability. furthermore, maintaining a connection to one’s heritage language can foster a stronger sense of identity and belonging.

According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, over 67 million U.S.residents speak a language other than English at home. This highlights the growing diversity of the nation and the importance of supporting language learning initiatives like the one launched in New York.