In Canada - Language

 
Mrs. Anh Le "Because I believe, I know that they will forget Vietnamese language but I think that they have languages, so many languages that's good. And so I let them go to the Vietnamese school every Saturday. They learn some more Vietnamese language at Vietnamese school."
Mrs. Anh Le
audio (497 kb)
 
 
Although it is similar to the Thai and Khmer languages, and has incorporated thousands of words and expressions from the Chinese language, the origins of the Vietnamese language are unknown.

The Vietnamese language has six tones, which are represented by the following signs:

Tone high-rising; for example, Maù (a cheek)
Tone low-falling; for example, Maø (but, who, which)
Tone falling-rising, constricted; for example, Maû (tomb)
Tone high-rising, broken; for example, Maõ (horse)
Tone low-falling short, constricted; for example, Maï (young rice seeding)
no marker, mid level

Vietnam's original language, the Choe nôm, was iconographic. In a derivation of the Chinese language, Vietnamese words consisted of two symbols: the first indicating meaning and the second pronunciation. During the sixteenth century, a French missionary, Alexandre de Rhodes, developed a version of the language using the Roman alphabet. It was called the Quoc Ngo, and it remains in use to this day. The Choe nôm is now used only on special occasions or as an art form.

Calligraphy Scroll
1982
Silk and velvet
96.7 x 45.8 cm
CMC 93-345

The inscriptions on this scroll indicate that there are blooms on the Chaste or Judas Tree.
 
Scroll - CD97-342-032

The Vietnamese language reflects the family structure and its hierarchy. Family members are often referred to according to their relationships to others rather than by their given names. For example, a Vietnamese man talking about his sister who is the second eldest female in the family might call her "Sister 2". Terms of address can be a way of showing respect, as this Vietnamese saying illustrates: "If you meet an elder, call him Grandfather; if he is a little bit younger, call him Uncle; and if he is about your age, call him Older Brother."

In Canada, the younger generation of Vietnamese - those attending Canadian schools - have mixed feelings about their mother tongue. Most believe that it is important to know the language but not all can speak it fluently. At home, their parents try to keep it alive, but sometimes the need to practise in English or French takes precedence over speaking Vietnamese.

Sign - S94-35,677
Sign for the Phat Duong Linh Son Buddhist Temple
1989
Wood and paint
63 x 16 cm
CMC 93-474
Gift of the Phat Duong Linh Son Temple, Windsor, Ontario

 
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