Vietnam will teach Chinese to elementary and middle school students in classes to be run four times a week, the Ministry of Education and Training has said in a recent proposal.

Vietnam is pondering over the teaching of Chinese to elementary and middle school students, while English and French are now the two favorites in elementary and middle schools.

The proposal also aims to nurture a passion for Chinese learning and an insight into the role of the language in Chinese ethnic groups’ daily life among elementary school students.

Middle school students will, in the meantime, concentrate on reading and writing skills, and on expanding their knowledge of the Chinese ethnic groups and their life and culture in association with other minorities.

They will be encouraged to preserve and develop Chinese ethnic groups’ language and culture as well.

Learning themes will revolve around family matters, schooling, nature, community life, countries, and culture.

A certificate will be conferred on those who successfully finish their courses.

English and French are now the two favorite languages in Vietnamese elementary and middle schools.