Commemorating Vietnam Independence Day: Waning Impact of Colonial Influence

In the heart of Hanoi, 24-year-old Huynh Nhung took a sombre tour of Hoa Lo Prison, a chilling reminder of France's brutal treatment of Vietnamese colonial dissidents. The prison, now a memorial, stands as a lingering reminder of the French presence in Vietnam.

The French influence in Vietnam stretches back to 1887, when French Indochina was officially established. This colonial empire encompassed all of modern-day Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Today, about 650,000 people in Vietnam still speak French, mostly those who lived through the end of the colonial era or were born shortly after independence.

The streets of Hanoi are dotted with colonial mansions that once housed French administrators. One such building, the Doan Thi Diem School, was the first in the capital to introduce French at the elementary level.

As the anniversary of Vietnam's independence approached, Huynh Nhung reflected on the complex legacy of the French presence. While there are positive aspects, she acknowledged that France left a lot of pain for the country.

For many Vietnamese, the impact of French colonialism is less tangible. Nguyen Thi Van, a 43-year-old banh mi vendor in Hanoi's "French Quarter," never really thought about the origins of the cuisine. Banh mi, a popular Vietnamese snack that fuses French baguettes with local Asian meat and vegetable fillings, remains a significant part of Vietnam's daily life.

The anniversary of independence serves as a time for Vietnam to reflect on its eight decades of self-definition. The celebrations in Hanoi were grand, with a parade that showcased the country's pride and resilience. Spectators gathered, expressing pride in being a child of Vietnam.

However, the language might be more a marker of cultural prestige than an economic asset. With few Francophone jobs in Vietnam and little migration to France, the usefulness of French as a language for economic advancement is questionable.

Carlyle Thayer, an emeritus professor, anticipates minimal reference to French colonialism in Vietnam's anniversary celebrations. Instead, the focus is on Vietnam's achievements and its future, as the country continues to maintain flexible relations with all nations, including the US and China.

Despite the complexities of the past, Vietnam's 80th anniversary of independence was a time for the country to celebrate its identity and look towards a bright future.