18 Resources to Learn Vietnamese for Free

About the Vietnamese Language

The Vietnamese language, known as Tiếng Việt, is the official language of Vietnam and is spoken by approximately 90 million people worldwide. It is a fascinating language with a rich history and unique characteristics.

Vietnamese belongs to the Austroasiatic language family, specifically the Viet-Muong branch. It has its origins in the northern region of Vietnam and has been influenced by neighboring languages such as Chinese and Khmer.

One interesting aspect of the Vietnamese language is its use of tones. Vietnamese is a tonal language, which means that the meaning of a word can change based on the pitch or tone with which it is pronounced. There are six different tones in Vietnamese, making it a challenging language for non-native speakers to learn.

Vietnamese is primarily spoken in Vietnam, where it serves as the official language. It is also spoken by Vietnamese communities around the world, including significant populations in the United States, Canada, France, Australia, and other countries with Vietnamese diaspora communities.

Writing in Vietnamese traditionally used Chinese characters (known as Chữ Nôm) until the 17th century when the Latin-based script known as Quốc Ngữ was introduced. Quốc Ngữ is now the official writing system of the Vietnamese language, making it easier for literacy and communication.

Vietnamese culture and literature have a strong influence on the development of the language. Many ancient literary works, poems, and folk tales contribute to the richness of the Vietnamese language and its unique expressions.

There are also regional dialects and variations within Vietnamese, with the most prominent being the Northern, Central, and Southern dialects. These dialects can differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar, reflecting the regional diversity within Vietnam.

Throughout history, Vietnam has experienced the influence of various cultures and languages, such as Chinese, French, and English. As a result, Vietnamese has borrowed words and phrases from these languages, further enriching its vocabulary.

Vietnamese has a deep connection to Vietnamese history, culture, and identity. It serves as a means of preserving and transmitting the country's traditions, values, and collective memory.