Each Vietnamese class in Gunma prefecture has a lead teacher, supported by one or two teaching assistants. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Children focus on pronunciation following the teacher’s guidance. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Teacher Ho Thi Thu Thuy leads a second-grade Vietnamese language class. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The teacher patiently guides the children in correct pronunciation. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The teacher patiently guides the children in correct pronunciation. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
A first-grade male student carefully writes the words. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
A female student writes the word “ve so” (lottery ticket) on the board. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Vietnamese students join the class with enthusiasm and joy. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
A student concentrates on writing in a Vietnamese-language class in Gunma. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
A first-grade female student eagerly steps up to the board to write “he ve” (summer returns). (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Vietnamese children confidently take turns practicing writing on the board. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Parents accompany and watch over their children during a Vietnamese-language class. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Vietnamese language classes in Japan nurture cultural roots for future generations
The cheerful sound of children reciting letters and laughing fills a Vietnamese language class in Japan’s Gunma prefecture, where the mother tongue is lovingly preserved for those born and raised away from the homeland.