Vietnamese language – A bond connecting Vietnamese youth in the Republic of Korea to their roots
WVR - On September 20, in a lively, warm atmosphere rich in cultural significance, the General Association of Vietnamese in the Republic of Korea organized the "First Vietnamese Language Oratory Contest 2026" in Seoul, attracting the participation of numerous students, parents, and the Vietnamese community.
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| Delegates and contestants at the competition perform the Flag Salute ceremony. (Photo: Dao Lam) |
The event contributes to spreading the love for the Vietnamese language, preserving cultural identity, and nurturing a sense of homeland among the young Vietnamese generation in the Republic of Korea.
Attending and speaking at the opening of the Contest, Nguyen Thi Thai Binh, Minister Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea, highly appreciated the initiative of the General Association and the dedication of teachers and parents in creating a learning environment to use and preserve the Vietnamese language for the younger generation. The Minister Counselor emphasized: “Vietnamese is not just a language; it is a repository of the nation's memories, culture, history, and soul.” Through Vietnamese, generations are connected with family, grandparents, and homeland; and they gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values passed down through generations.
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| Minister Counselor Nguyen Thi Thai Binh speaking. (Photo: Dao Lam) |
For children born and raised in the Republic of Korea, learning and using Vietnamese holds special significance. Every Vietnamese word learned, every sentence spoken, is an additional bond connecting them to their roots, helping them understand more about Vietnamese culture and people, and nurturing pride in their homeland. Minister Counselor Nguyen Thi Thai Binh believes that preserving Vietnamese is preserving the roots to confidently step into the future. Maintaining Vietnamese in the Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea not only helps preserve national identity but also helps the younger generation become cultural bridges, enhancing the connection, understanding, and friendly cooperation between the peoples of Vietnam and the Republic of Korea.
Speaking at the Contest, Dao Tuan Hung, Chairman of the General Association of Vietnamese in the Republic of Korea, stated that the Association identifies the preservation and promotion of Vietnamese within the community, especially for the younger generation, as a long-term meaningful activity. According to Dao Tuan Hung, as the Vietnamese community continues to grow and more children are born and raised in the Republic of Korea, creating an environment for them to learn, use, and love Vietnamese plays an important role in maintaining identity and community cohesion. Chairman Dao Tuan Hung expressed his hope that the Contest will become a regular activity, providing a useful playground for children to both practice Vietnamese and learn about the nation's history, culture, and traditions. Through this, Vietnamese is not only preserved within each family but also becomes a bond connecting the Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea with their homeland.
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| Chairman of the General Association of Vietnamese in the Republic of Korea Dao Tuan Hung speaking. (Photo: Dao Lam) |
The contest took place in a joyful and lively atmosphere, with sections showcasing the ability to use Vietnamese, confidence, and understanding of Vietnamese culture. It was not just a language playground but also a cultural festival where Vietnamese became a bridge between generations and between Vietnam and the Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea.
At the Contest, contestants confidently presented their parts entirely in Vietnamese with a natural demeanor and clear pronunciation. Their presentations carried profound meanings, filled with love for their homeland and national pride, expressed through diverse topics such as “A Picture Completed by the Colours of Two Countries” (Lee Tae Yoon), “Two Countries, Two Languages, and Me” (Seo Ji Seok), “Visit to Bonghwa Vietnam Village” (Nguyen Hoang Nam), “Story about Uncle Ho” (Vu Trinh Tue Chi), or the dream of contributing to both homelands in “Dream of Becoming a Vietnam-Korea Football Player” (Be Tom). Through their speeches, they clearly demonstrated an awareness of the importance of preserving Vietnamese – the bond connecting family and roots, while expressing their desire to continue learning, mastering Vietnamese, and hoping to return to their homeland to directly communicate in Vietnamese with everyone.
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| All delegates and contestants at the competition take a commemorative photo. (Photo: Dao Lam) |
Through this activity, the General Association of Vietnamese in the Republic of Korea hopes to continue creating spaces for the younger generation to learn Vietnamese, explore national culture, and maintain a connection with their homeland.
The Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea affirms its continued support for the General Association, community organizations, teachers, parents, and the community in activities to preserve, promote, and honor the Vietnamese language, thereby contributing to building a united, culturally rich, and increasingly connected Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea to their homeland.
