The Vietnamese language is the official language of Vietnam and is a part of the Austroasiatic language family. Rich in history and cultural significance, the Vietnamese language has influences from Chinese, French, and other languages.

Brief History of Origins:

• Early Influences: Vietnamese is thought to have originated more than a thousand years ago. The Chinese strongly influenced it, given Vietnam’s geographical proximity and historical relationship with China.
• Latin Script Adoption: In the 17th century, Portuguese and French missionaries introduced a Latin-based script known as Quốc Ngữ. This replaced the older Chữ Nôm script derived from Chinese characters.
• French Colonial Influence: During the French colonial period, many French words were adopted into Vietnamese, especially in areas like law, governance, and cuisine.
• Modern Times: Vietnamese has continued to evolve, reflecting cultural changes and the influence of other foreign languages, including English.

Number of Speakers:

• Approximately 76 million people speak Vietnamese as their first language.
• It is also spoken by about 4 million Vietnamese diaspora, particularly in the United States, Australia, and other countries.

Where It Is an Official Language:

• Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam.
• It is also a recognised minority language in the Czech Republic.

Example of Text:

Here’s a common Vietnamese proverb, along with its English translation:
Vietnamese: “Cái nết đánh chết cái đẹp.”
English translation: “Good character beats good looks.”

Where It Is Used and How:

• In Vietnam: Used in all government, legal, educational, media, and business contexts. It’s the medium of instruction in schools and universities.
• In the Vietnamese Diaspora: Used among Vietnamese communities abroad, maintaining cultural connections and traditions.
• In Tourism: English-speaking tourists in Vietnam might encounter simple English phrases intermingled with Vietnamese, especially in urban areas and tourist hubs.
• In Cuisine: Vietnamese culinary terms have become more familiar globally, with dishes like ‘phở’ and ‘bánh mì’ being recognised and enjoyed internationally.

Examples of English Words Used in Vietnamese:

Vietnamese has absorbed many English words, particularly in technology and modern culture. Some examples include:

• Cà phê (from ‘coffee’)
• Tivi (from ‘television’)
• Internet (used as-is in Vietnamese)
• Xe hơi (from ‘car’; the word ‘hơi’ meaning ‘steam’ reflects the early term’ steam car’)

Vietnamese Words in English:

Some Vietnamese words have also made their way into English, especially related to food and culture:

• Phở: A famous Vietnamese noodle soup.
• Bánh Mì: A Vietnamese sandwich consisting of a French baguette filled with various ingredients.
• Ao Dai: A traditional Vietnamese garment.

 

The Vietnamese language is rich and multifaceted, reflecting Vietnam’s complex history and cultural diversity. Vietnamese continues to evolve from its Chinese-influenced origins to its French colonial legacy and current global influences. Its script transformation from Chữ Nôm to the Latin-based Quốc Ngữ is a unique aspect of its history.

With millions of speakers in Vietnam and worldwide, Vietnamese is a vital aspect of national identity and a bridge connecting Vietnamese communities abroad. Its influence on global cuisine and the absorption of words from languages like English demonstrate the dynamic nature of Vietnamese, which continues to grow and adapt in our globalised world.