Abstract:
This article examines the influence of English on Vietnamese in the context of globalisation, with
particular attention to lexical borrowing, code-switching, digital discourse, and language attitudes.
Grounded in contact linguistics, sociolinguistic theory, and language ideology studies, the paper uses
a qualitative design that combines naturalistic observation of public and digital language practices with
a systematic review of recent scholarship on English-Vietnamese contact. The analysis shows that
English influence is most visible in the lexical domain, especially in technology, education, business,
and popular culture. English-Vietnamese code-switching is also widespread in youth-oriented and
digitally mediated communication, where it serves pragmatic functions such as emphasis, brevity, and
topic framing, as well as social functions such as identity performance and in-group solidarity.
Syntactic and phonological influences appear more limited and register-specific, although English-influenced discourse markers, passive constructions, and loanword pronunciation patterns are
increasingly noticeable among proficient bilingual users. The study further indicates that attitudes
toward English influence remain ambivalent: younger speakers often treat bilingual hybridity as a sign
of modernity and global identity, while purist concerns persist in public and institutional discourse.
The paper concludes with implications for Vietnamese language policy and English education.
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Keywords:
English influence, Vietnamese language, language contact, code-switching, digital communication
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