Vietnam’s Shifting Languages: Why French is Fading as English and Chinese Rise
Just 400 Vietnamese high school students opted to study French for their 2025 graduation exams. Compare that to the 358,000 choosing English and 4,400 selecting Chinese, and a stark picture emerges: the language of a former colonial power is rapidly losing ground in Vietnam. This isn’t simply a matter of historical reckoning; it’s a strategic shift with profound implications for Vietnam’s future economic and geopolitical positioning.
The Decline of a Colonial Legacy
For decades, French held a privileged position in Vietnam, serving as the language of administration and higher education during the French colonial period. However, after independence, and particularly following 1975, its influence waned. Today, less than 1% of the Vietnamese population speaks French, despite Vietnam remaining the largest Francophone nation in Asia and maintaining ties through the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. While French continues to exist within universities and cultural programs, its practical relevance for the vast majority of Vietnamese citizens is diminishing.
The Rise of Pragmatic Language Choices
The dramatic preference for English and, increasingly, Chinese isn’t accidental. “If I must choose, I would prefer Chinese over French as the second foreign language to study because it feels more familiar. And China is our neighbor,” explains 25-year-old content creator Hoang Thu Ha, reflecting a sentiment shared by a growing number of young Vietnamese. This highlights a key driver: perceived economic opportunity. English remains the global language of business and technology, while China’s growing economic power and proximity make Mandarin increasingly valuable for trade and employment.
English: The Gateway to Global Markets
The dominance of **English language** learning in Vietnam is unsurprising. It’s seen as essential for accessing international education, participating in the global workforce, and attracting foreign investment. Vietnam’s integration into the global supply chain and its burgeoning tourism industry further reinforce the demand for English proficiency. The Vietnamese government has actively promoted English language education, recognizing its importance for economic development.
China’s Growing Influence and the Appeal of Mandarin
The surge in interest in Chinese is a more recent phenomenon, but one with significant momentum. Vietnam and China share a long and complex border, and economic ties between the two countries are substantial. Cross-border trade, Chinese investment in Vietnam, and the increasing number of Chinese tourists are all contributing to the growing demand for Mandarin speakers. This trend also reflects a pragmatic assessment of geopolitical realities and the potential benefits of closer economic cooperation with China.
Beyond the Classroom: The Impact on Vietnamese Society
The shift in language preferences extends beyond educational choices. It’s influencing cultural trends, business practices, and even political discourse. The decline of French means a weakening of ties to Francophone culture, while the rise of English and Chinese is leading to increased exposure to global and Chinese influences, respectively. This linguistic shift is reshaping Vietnam’s cultural landscape and its place in the world.
What Does the Future Hold?
The trend is unlikely to reverse. While efforts to preserve French language and culture will continue, the practical advantages of English and Chinese are simply too compelling for most Vietnamese students and businesses to ignore. We can expect to see further investment in English and Chinese language education, as well as a growing demand for bilingual professionals. Vietnam’s linguistic landscape will likely become increasingly dominated by English and Chinese, with French relegated to a niche role. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for Vietnam, requiring careful navigation to ensure that it can leverage the benefits of globalization while preserving its cultural identity. The Council on Foreign Relations provides further insight into the economic relationship between China and Vietnam.
What are your predictions for the future of language learning in Southeast Asia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!