Bookshelves abroad keeping the Vietnamese spirit alive

Within overseas Vietnamese communities, reading culture is increasingly becoming a vital means of preserving identity and connecting generations. From family bookshelves to small community libraries, Vietnamese reading spaces are gradually taking shape and spreading across life far from home.

In many countries, Vietnamese communities have established shared bookshelves, small libraries, or reading corners within cultural centres. These spaces not only serve learning needs but also function as venues for exchange, book introductions, literary discussions, and Vietnamese language classes for younger generations. Children's books, folktales, and literary works go beyond entertainment, acting as a form of "soft education" that helps younger readers engage naturally with language, culture, and history.

Finding pathways to nurture reading culture

Many overseas Vietnamese parents say reading with their children has become a regular habit, fostering both a love for the Vietnamese language and a connection to their roots. Responding to this need, Thuỷ Lê-Scherello has chosen to write bilingual Vietnamese-German books, adapting folktales through a contemporary storytelling approach that resonates with children of Vietnamese origin while also introducing Vietnamese culture to international readers.

Having moved to Berlin at the age of 11, she developed a passion for books, art, and creativity within a family that valued reading. After starting her own family, she made it a nightly routine to read with her children, often translating stories from Vietnamese into German and adjusting details to suit younger audiences.

Since pursuing bilingual writing in 2017, she has focused on adapting Vietnamese folktales and legends, aiming to bring cultural heritage closer to children, particularly those of Vietnamese descent, while opening a window for international readers to explore Viet Nam's traditions. Her stories weave in messages of compassion, tolerance, and respect, contributing to the formation of children's character and outlook.

To enhance appeal, the narratives are retold with vivid imagery and engaging details. One example is "Why the Tiger Has Black Stripes", inspired by the folktale "Trí khôn của ta đây" (The Tiger's Wisdom), presented in accessible language while conveying lessons about intelligence and respect for nature.

Her books are now available in bookstores across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, as well as on global distribution platforms. The bilingual layout allows readers to choose their preferred language while strengthening second-language skills, helping Vietnamese culture reach a wider audience.

While Thuy Le-Scherello focuses on bilingual books, writer Kiều Bích Hương has devoted her efforts to building reading spaces on digital platforms.

Her idea of producing podcasts featuring conversations with overseas Vietnamese and reading sessions emerged during the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Having completed library studies in Belgium, she brought together skills in information curation and her earlier experience as a journalist in Viet Nam.

With determination and collaboration, the "Viet Happiness Station" podcast project was launched in 2022, conveying a shared desire to preserve the Vietnamese language within overseas communities. From the outset, the team emphasised nurturing the mother tongue through the voices of Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin speakers across different countries. Children of Vietnamese descent, as well as international family members, are encouraged to participate and develop an affinity for the language.

To attract audiences, Hương has developed diverse content formats such as "Chuyện mình xứ người" (Stories from Abroad) and "Nghe và ngẫm" (Listen and Reflect), aiming to create engaging, meaningful content for overseas Vietnamese. The platform also features readings of notable literary works by authors such as Hồ Anh Thái and Dạ Ngân, alongside online book introductions and literary discussions that connect audiences across borders.

Bringing Vietnamese books into international libraries

Efforts to build reading spaces abroad are also reflected in initiatives led by Vietnamese women in Vienna. Since December 2023, Vietnamese-language books have been introduced at the Kinderbücherei der Weltsprachen, a multilingual children's library in the city's 14th district. The initiative was launched by the Vietnamese Women's Association in Austria, with support from the Vietnamese Embassy and the local community.

Following this success, the association aims to expand the model to other libraries, including the Austrian National Library. Alongside these efforts, they continue to organise regular reading sessions for children, held indoors during winter or outdoors as part of weekend picnics, combined with traditional cultural activities.

In Khon Kaen, Thailand, the Vietnamese Consulate General has also worked with Udon Thani Rajabhat University to prepare for Vietnam-Thailand Cultural Day this August. A highlight of the programme will be the inauguration of the first Vietnamese library in Thailand, located at the university. According to Consul General Đinh Hoàng Linh, the library will house a diverse collection of materials on Vietnamese language, culture, and history, offering students and local residents opportunities to deepen their understanding of the country and its people.

Beyond its educational role, the project is seen as a symbol of the growing friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The Consulate General has pledged continued support to ensure its effective implementation.

These developments suggest that reading culture is no longer merely a means of learning or entertainment. It is becoming a flexible and enduring way to preserve cultural identity within overseas Vietnamese communities. From modest reading spaces, Vietnamese culture continues to be maintained and shared across generations, strengthening community bonds and sustaining a sense of belonging far from home.