Why do Vietnamese use Chinese characters?

The Historical Roots of Chinese Characters in Vietnamese

The adoption of Chinese characters in Vietnamese is a testament to the profound influence of Chinese culture on Vietnamese society. This linguistic legacy traces its origins to the Han dynasty’s control over Vietnam, which spanned centuries and left an enduring mark on the region.

In the 11th century, the Vietnamese officially adopted Chinese characters for administrative and literary purposes. This decision reflected the strong Chinese influence on Vietnamese culture at the time and facilitated communication and interaction between the two countries.

Throughout the following centuries, Vietnam gained independence from Chinese rule, but the written language retained significant Chinese characteristics. This is evident in the use of Chinese characters, known as “chữ Hán” in Vietnamese, in official documents, literary works, and traditional scholarship.

While the Vietnamese language also developed its own unique script, known as “chữ Nôm,” Chinese characters continued to play a major role in written communication and education. They were used to represent abstract concepts, technical terms, and classical literature.

Even today, Chinese characters remain an important part of the Vietnamese writing system. They are still used in certain contexts, such as in religious texts, historical documents, and specialized fields like law and medicine. Furthermore, the study of Chinese characters is considered essential for a comprehensive understanding of Vietnamese history, culture, and literature.

In conclusion, the use of Chinese characters in Vietnamese is a testament to the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries. While independence was achieved centuries ago, the written language still bears the imprint of this shared past, providing a rich and complex tapestry of linguistic and cultural exchange.