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The Founder
VLS - Vietnamese Language Studies - Dr. Vo Xuan Trang
Dr. Vo Xuan Trang
The Founder Dr. Vo Xuan Trang, a Hue native, is widely recognized for his contributions to the fields of linguistic anthropology, especially his research into the special characteristics of different central Vietnamese dialects. Dr. Trang was one of the first linguists to research in-depth several of central Vietnam’s ethnic minority languages and their historical links to the evolution of the Vietnamese language.

Among 52 journal articles and 8 books published during his lifetime, Dr. Trang was best known for his works relating to the Ruc and the Nguon tribes: The Ruc People in Vietnam, The Nguon People in Vietnam, and Folksongs of the Nguon Tribe. He was also recognized for his work on the central Vietnamese dialects of Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue provinces and Central Vietnam's ethnic minority languages.

After receiving his PhD in Linguistics in 1992, Dr. Trang moved to Ho Chi Minh City to work as a researcher for the Center of Linguistics at the HCMC Institute of Social Sciences, where he turned his focus to the field of teaching Vietnamese as a Foreign Language (VFL). He was regarded as a pioneer in this field of research, and became well-respected for his contributions to developing teacher-training courses in VFL.

In 1994, he established the Saigon Vietnamese Language School for Foreigners, where he served as Director for 9 years. He also served as the General Secretary of Hue Folk Arts Association from 1985-1991, and was highly regarded for his contributions in researching and preserving folk cultural of the Hue area. Dr. Trang passed away in 2003, and was succeeded as director of VLS by his daughter, Ms. Vo Thi Thanh Binh, who had served as VLS’s academic manager since her graduation from HCMC University of Education in 1999.