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Recent trends in English Language education in Vietnam

Navigating Policy, Practice, and Societal Shifts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 April 2025

Vu Tran–Thanh Open the ORCID record for Vu Tran–Thanh [Opens in a new window]
Vu Tran–Thanh*
Affiliation:
School of Education, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
*
Corresponding author: Vu Tran–Thanh; email: thanhvu0304@gmail.com
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Abstract

This article examines recent developments in English language education in Vietnam, contextualising them within contemporary sociopolitical and cultural discourses. It begins by tracing the historical emergence and evolution of English in Vietnam before examining its role in the education system. The article then critically discusses Project 2020, Vietnam's largest language education initiative, and its profound impact on the country's language education landscape. Finally, it presents three notable trends significantly shaped by Project 2020: the increasing prevalence of IELTS preparation, the rise of second-career language teachers, and the emergence of communities of practice for English teachers.

Keywords

English language educationVietnamProject 2020IELTSsecond-career teachercommunity of practice

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Shorter Article
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English Today , Volume 41 , Issue 2 , June 2025 , pp. 121 - 126
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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