Understanding to love Vietnamese culture

Báo Văn Hóa•11/12/2023

Ms. Dang Thi Bich Son teaches Lao female students how to cook Quang noodles.

A loving home

Starting in late November 2023, the Friendship Association and the Coordinating Association, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Da Nang , the People's Committees of Thanh Khe, Hai Chau, Lien Chieu, Cam Le, Son Tra, and Ngu Hanh Son districts; Da Nang University and its member universities; and Duy Tan University, organized the launch ceremony of the Homestay Program for Lao students studying at universities in Da Nang City. With the responsibility of the local authorities and the kind and hospitable traditions of the people of Da Nang, the young Lao students experienced a loving and close-knit family life. They had the opportunity to improve their Vietnamese communication skills, learn more about Vietnamese customs and traditions, and practice using the language more fluently outside of their university environment.

Lao students studying abroad always call their Vietnamese families "father" and "mother" to express their love and respect for those who are supporting and guiding them. Speaking fluent Vietnamese, two Lao students, Mueangphan Thipphahone (2005) and Chanthamath Phonepany (2005), from Da Nang University of Education, told us that they had stayed and lived with the family of Ms. Dang Thi Bich Son and Mr. Nguyen Xuan Linh (Group 37, Hoa Phat Ward, Cam Le District). After two weeks, they felt the genuine affection and closeness from Mr. Linh and Mrs. Son, and considered the house their second home.

Ms. Bich Son shared that Mueangphan Thipphahone and Chanthamath Phonepany are treated like children by the family. Every day after school, she teaches them to cook traditional dishes such as Quang noodles, Cao Lau, and corn sweet soup; and explains to them about Vietnamese customs, traditions, and the Lunar New Year. On their days off, the whole family goes to Con Market and Han Market to introduce them to more about traditional cuisine. “Having the two of them living with us makes our family very happy; our daily lives haven't been disrupted at all. We are always open to help them overcome any shyness and quickly integrate. The two are very diligent and always ask to help with whatever their parents are doing. After being here for a while, when they leave, the family will surely miss them and feel a sense of emptiness, like being separated from a loved one,” Ms. Bich Son said emotionally.

Expressing her affection for the family of Ms. Tran Thi Lan Thanh (Group 11, An Khe Ward, Thanh Khe District), Xaisomphou Khaikeo (a student at Duy Tan University, Da Nang) said: “Normally I live in rented accommodation, but now I have my second home. I get to meet my parents, interact more with neighbors, and connect with young Vietnamese friends. Thanks to the love and affection of my parents, I don't feel like a stranger; the whole family sincerely expresses their opinions to each other. My parents helped me learn to speak Vietnamese, which is very helpful for my studies and my life now and in the future.” Khaikeo is one of nearly 150 Lao students being welcomed into the homes of local families under the “Homestay” program implemented by the Union of Friendship Organizations of Da Nang City. They are provided with private rooms and share common spaces with the families. The children actively learn and practice Vietnamese, interacting with residents in the neighborhood and local organizations.

Two Lao students participated in the "Homestay" program at the home of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Linh and Ms. Dang Thi Bich Son (Group 37, Hoa Phat Ward, Cam Le District).

Strengthening the Vietnam-Laos relationship.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Linh believes that the city's implementation of the "Homestay" program has resolved many issues related to language, culture, and history between the two countries. He and his family always support and hope to continue participating in programs that enhance understanding and cultural friendship between Vietnam and other countries.

In Da Nang City, the Homestay Program, implemented since 2011, has become a shining example and a model that is being studied and replicated throughout the country. Each year, an average of nearly 100 Lao students participate in the program, through which many parent-child and sibling relationships between Vietnamese and Lao people have been formed, serving as a foundation for nurturing and developing close ties between the people of the two countries.

Ms. Dinh Thi Thanh Truc, Vice President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Da Nang City, stated that understanding a nation requires understanding its culture, and cultural exchange activities are the most practical and heartfelt. Therefore, the core purpose of bringing Lao students to the homes of "Vietnamese parents" to learn about traditional culture is paramount. Over the past 10 years, the program's most outstanding achievement has been strengthening the special friendship and understanding of the traditional cultures of Vietnam and Laos, especially among young people.

In 2023, numerous cultural exchange programs and activities were organized between the two countries, such as the Lao Bunpimay New Year Festival; the Vietnam-Lao Circus Gala, which provided nearly 1000 complimentary tickets to officials and staff of the Lao Consulate General and Lao students working, studying, and living in Da Nang; and the Homestay program for Lao students. The Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam-Lao Friendship Association of Da Nang City played a crucial role in bridging cooperation and development, mobilizing tens of billions of VND in scholarships for Lao students studying at universities in the area. Units and localities maintained cooperation and memoranda of understanding with seven localities in Laos. From 2023 to 2027, Da Nang City will continue to maintain many support activities and scholarship programs for Lao officials and students, including postgraduate, master's, and undergraduate students.

NGOC HA

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