Ethnic minority women "open the door" to foreign language knowledge.

Foreign languages ​​are a gateway to new horizons. With their dynamism and creativity, many ethnic minority women in Lao Cai, who were previously only familiar with farming, have proactively sought out foreign languages, securing desirable jobs, developing their family economies, and contributing to the development of their homeland. These are inspiring stories of strong women from mountainous and ethnic minority regions overcoming prejudice and asserting themselves.

Hmong women confidently communicate in English with foreigners.

Before becoming the owner of a beautiful homestay in Ta Van commune, Giang Thi Do, a Mong ethnic woman, used to be a street vendor, persistently following foreign tourists . In the past, Do's daily job was to follow foreign tourist groups, "persuading" them to buy souvenirs. Although she sold a few bracelets and embroidered bags each day, she was met with annoyance from those she encountered. At that time, Do had a little broken English, enough to keep up with tourists.

Then Dơ's thinking completely changed. Dơ got married, no longer wanted to pester tourists, and dreamed of owning a homestay to welcome visitors. The first "brick" in building that dream was English. Dơ enrolled in a free English class specifically for ethnic minority women, and then learned more through social media platforms.

Thanks to hard work, Dơ's English skills improved, and she became proficient in both spoken and written English. After working as a tour guide and gaining knowledge and experience, Dơ opened a small homestay on a hillside. Most of her guests are foreigners.

Giàng Thị Dơ said: "If I didn't have foreign language skills, I probably wouldn't have the good job I have now. In the tourist area of ​​Tả Van, there's a favorable environment for learning English, so I think ethnic minority women should learn more foreign languages ​​to be able to find more high-paying jobs."

Women from ethnic minorities contribute to promoting their cultural identity to the world .

Similar to the story of Giang Thi Do, Tan Ta May, a Dao ethnic woman from Ta Phin commune, also gained access to English through a free program for ethnic minority women. Every day, May diligently studies and strengthens her knowledge. Previously, when May applied for jobs at several restaurants and hotels in the former Sa Pa town, she was rejected because she didn't meet the language requirements, forcing her to do strenuous labor in vegetable and flower gardens. That's why May was determined to learn a foreign language. Once she could communicate in English, May easily found jobs at large hotels and restaurants with attractive salaries.

However, after working at a large hotel, Ms. Tan Ta May saved up money and experience to open a herbal bath facility in the form of a homestay, primarily catering to foreign tourists. In addition, Ms. May also works as a tour guide, using her English skills to promote the culture and traditional crafts of the Dao ethnic group to visitors.

Ms. Tan Ta May said: "For me, knowing a foreign language has opened up new horizons, helping me escape the hardships and difficulties of the past. The job has given me the opportunity to earn a good income and interact with foreign customers."

With good foreign language skills, ethnic minority women working as tour guides can earn a high income.

In the cultural product exhibition space in Ta Van, Ly May Lien happily chatted with a foreign tourist in fluent English. She told the tourist about indigo dyeing, beeswax painting, how the Mong people weave fabric from linen fibers, and the beautiful scenery of the land where she lives, leaving the tourist amazed and eager to experience it.

At 18, while some of her peers were getting married and having children, Ly May Lien chose a different path. She worked hard to earn money to help her family. Her English skills helped her land her dream job. Ly May Lien shared that her income is around 20 million VND per month, and she enjoys many benefits from her current job. She also feels happy because she can use English to promote the beauty, identity, and people of Ta Van, where she lives, to international friends.

For ethnic minority women, learning is already difficult, so mastering a foreign language is an arduous journey, affirming their determination to pursue knowledge. Overcoming prejudice and many social barriers, women in mountainous and ethnic minority areas have confidently learned foreign languages, accessing many opportunities to improve themselves, resulting in good jobs, economic independence, inspiring others to learn, and contributing to building a prosperous and beautiful homeland.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/phu-nu-dan-toc-thieu-so-mo-cua-tri-thuc-ngoai-ngu-post895770.html