A lifelong dream to teach

Dr. Tang Van Thon (born in 1982) is a lecturer at the Faculty of Southern Khmer Language, Culture, Arts and Humanities, Tra Vinh University. He is one of the few Khmer individuals to have completed a PhD abroad and returned home to contribute to education.

Born into a Khmer family in Tra Cu District, formerly part of Tra Vinh Province (now Vinh Long), Dr. Thon said he was determined from a young age to pursue education, not only for personal growth but to preserve the Khmer language and identity.

In his hometown, more than 60% of the population are Khmer. Raised in a rich cultural environment, Thon grew up surrounded by Khmer language and traditions.

With a deep love for Khmer culture and arts, he dreamed of becoming a teacher from his early school years. “As a child, I didn’t think much about a career path. But by the time I was in middle school, becoming a teacher was my biggest dream,” he shared. “That dream was interrupted after ninth grade due to financial hardship. I never thought I would one day stand on a university podium to fulfill it.”

In 2001, Thon entered monkhood, following the traditional path of many Khmer youth. During his eight years in the monastery, he learned Khmer language and writing from the monks. In 2005, he resumed formal education starting from 10th grade.

“I set myself the goal of becoming a teacher and pushed myself to study tirelessly - three sessions a day: mornings were for Pali, Khmer, and Buddhist studies; afternoons for general education; evenings for English. I remember walking alone from Ong Mek Pagoda to Hang Pagoda after English class late at night,” he recalled.

A doctoral thesis in Cambodia

After finishing high school in 2007, Thon passed the entrance exam for the college-level Khmer Southern Culture program at Tra Vinh University. Upon graduation, he stayed on to pursue a university degree, transitioned into a teaching role, and later earned his master’s.

In July 2023, he successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in Cambodia under a scholarship agreement between Vietnam and Cambodia. He completed the program eight months ahead of schedule.

Dr. Thon recalled the toughest times being during his master's program and the first two years of his PhD research.

“The pandemic hit while I was studying in Cambodia. My wife and child back home were infected with COVID-19, and I couldn't return to Vietnam. It was a painful time,” he said.

His PhD in Literature focused on “The literary values of Khmer literature in L’khaon Basak.” The dissertation explored the cultural and literary significance of L’khaon Basak, a traditional Khmer performance art similar to Du Ke theatre.

Back to teaching and preserving Khmer identity

Returning to Tra Vinh University, Dr. Thon continued his mission to instill a love for the Khmer language in his students. He has since taught hundreds of full-time and part-time learners.

Many of his former students now work for local government agencies across the Mekong Delta. Some have become Khmer language teachers, while others serve as interpreters for foreign businesses.

“When teaching Khmer at the university, I pay close attention to students’ proficiency, since the entrance exam doesn’t assess their Khmer language skills. Classes aren’t separated based on prior knowledge, so I adjust my teaching accordingly. I also stay updated on the latest educational reforms by the Party and the State,” he said.

Dr. Thon emphasized the importance of preserving the Khmer language as a vital part of the community’s cultural heritage. “Language is not just a tool for communication; it carries knowledge, beliefs, and art. Preserving the Khmer script and speech ensures cultural continuity and helps Khmer youth integrate into modern society without losing their identity,” he added.

Since 2020, Dr. Thon has also served as Vice Chairman of the National Council for Evaluation of Minority Language Textbooks - Khmer language section.

He noted that while Khmer is shared by both Vietnam and Cambodia, the Southern Khmer dialect in Vietnam has unique characteristics. The council carefully considers these differences during textbook evaluation to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy.

The Ministry of Education and Training has issued a supplemental guideline with criteria for evaluating these textbooks. “Understanding regional nuances is essential to producing Khmer language textbooks that are both practical and high-quality in today’s educational landscape,” he explained.

Tra Vinh University’s Faculty of Southern Khmer Language, Culture, Arts and Humanities has trained over 2,500 students, from college to PhD levels. Beyond regular programs, it also offers Khmer language courses for public servants, military personnel, and officials in Khmer-majority areas.

These courses help improve communication, cultural understanding, policy implementation, and community cohesion. They also support tourism development and sustainable livelihoods in Khmer regions.

 
Hoai Thanh