Research Talk - A space for interdisciplinary academic exchange and internationalization of research at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Academic living spaces geared towards scientific research standards.
One of the key focuses of the 2025 Research Talk series is the panel discussion on research methodology and scientific publication. A prime example is the panel discussion "Methods for Writing Scientific Papers in Vietnamese and International Journals" (April 25, 2025), aimed at equipping students, researchers, and young lecturers with the necessary knowledge and skills for conducting research and publishing results in reputable specialized journals.
The seminar clarified core issues such as research topic selection, scientific paper structure, distinguishing between the requirements of domestic and international journals, as well as the submission process, peer review handling, and manuscript revision. In addition, content related to research ethics, avoiding plagiarism and duplicate publications was also emphasized, contributing to raising awareness of academic standards in the context of the internationalization of higher education.
Along with equipping research skills, the seminar on Professor Nguyen Thien Giap's book "Dictionary of Linguistics" opened up a space for academic exchange revolving around the theoretical foundations of linguistics. The participants unanimously affirmed that this is a scientific work of high academic value, playing an important role in research, teaching, and learning, contributing to the systematization of modern linguistic knowledge.
      Diversifying approaches in linguistic research
The 2025 Research Talk series features numerous in-depth seminars, reflecting the diversity of approaches to linguistic research. The seminar “Contrastive Linguistics on the Foundation of Applied Linguistics” (May 9, 2025), with speaker Professor Olaf Husby, provided a comprehensive overview of the history, objectives, and methods of comparative linguistics, from traditional textual approaches to modern experimental methods.
Through specific case studies, particularly a comparison between Norwegian and Vietnamese, the seminar highlighted the impact of differences in phonetics, syntax, and pragmatics on the process of second language acquisition. Simultaneously, new theoretical approaches such as dynamic systems theory, neurolinguistics, and socio-cultural models were introduced, opening up avenues for integrated research using technology and artificial intelligence in the field of comparative linguistics.
In terms of historical and cultural depth, the Research Talk: “A New Study on the Vietnamization of Sino-Vietnamese Words” (June 4, 2025), with the participation of Professor Vu Duc Nghieu – former Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, shared new findings on the Vietnamization process of Sino-Vietnamese words – a phenomenon that is both familiar and possesses profound historical and cultural significance. Through meticulous analysis with many vivid examples, the audience not only expanded their knowledge but also had the opportunity to re-examine the multifaceted relationship between the Vietnamese and Chinese languages.

Professor Vu Duc Nghieu shared new findings on the process of Vietnamizing Sino-Vietnamese words.

In addition, the academic symposium on Chinese in Vietnamese studies (September 27, 2025) continued to delve into issues of the stratification of Chinese-derived vocabulary and the presence of Chinese in Vietnamese, from the perspective of historical phonetics, the Meiji-era Chinese language harmonization, and its presence in Vietnamese.  

Language in relation to culture and society
One area in Research Talk that attracted the attention of scientists was the discussion on approaching language in close relation to culture and society. The discussion "Language & Culture in Belgium – A Perspective from Poet Quỳnh Iris Nguyễn-de Prelle" (May 6, 2025) offered vivid insights into Belgium's multilingual society, where three languages ​​coexist and interact. Through the experiences of poet Quỳnh Iris Nguyễn-de Prelle – a prominent figure in the Vietnamese literary and artistic community in Belgium – the discussion opened up subtle perspectives on the creative journey and dissemination of Vietnamese identity within the context of international cultural exchange.
The sociolinguistic approach continues to be evident in seminars related to the Vietnamese community abroad. The Research Talk “Preserving the Mother Tongue: The Role of Vietnamese in the New Immigrant Community in Taiwan” (November 26, 2025) analyzed factors impacting the maintenance of the Vietnamese language within immigrant communities and suggested solutions for preserving the mother tongue in Taiwan. Continuing this theme, the Research Talk “Migration Process and Language Learning of Vietnamese and Generation F2 in Taiwan (China)” (January 30, 2026) approached the issue from an interdisciplinary perspective, clarifying the relationship between migration, the acquisition of the local language, and the linguistic identity of subsequent generations.  
Interdisciplinary approach, internationalization, and technology application.
The spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration and internationalization is a recurring theme throughout the Research Talk series. The seminar "Research and Teaching Vietnamese to Foreigners in Academic Environments in Vietnam and the World" (June 17, 2025) connected experts from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Columbia University (USA), providing a comparative exchange on Vietnamese language teaching practices in the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Chung, M.Sc. – Director of the Vietnamese Language Program at Columbia University, and a former student of the Linguistics Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, shared her experience on maintaining Vietnamese language teaching in universities in the United States.

International academic exchange and networking activities with professors from the University of Nantes (France) (November 4, 2025), along with the seminar "Research on Vietnam and Linguistics at Yale University" (December 7, 2025), have expanded the academic networking space, helping lecturers, students, and researchers access modern linguistic research trends worldwide.

Furthermore, highly practical seminars such as "OPI in Vietnamese Speaking Proficiency Assessment" (December 16, 2025) and the Workshop "Language and AI: From Idea to Product" (January 11, 2026) demonstrate the growing interest in applying technology, standardized assessment tools, and artificial intelligence in language research, teaching, and training. A highlight of the program is the hands-on practice session, where instructors assess the Vietnamese language proficiency of Chinese students, providing participants with a vivid, engaging, and inspiring experience.The Research Talk series of seminars provides a vibrant picture of academic life at the University's training and research units. This thematic professional activity clearly demonstrates the interdisciplinary research and internationalization orientation of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi. Through Research Talk, in-depth professional knowledge and practical experience of the faculty and scientists have been disseminated to the community with a spirit of science serving society, contributing to affirming the role and academic mission of the University in the context of current development and integration.

Related articles:
Research and teach Vietnamese to foreigners in academic settings in Vietnam and around the world.