Columbia News Features John Phan’s Research on the History of the Vietnamese Language
September 17, 2026
John Phan, associate professor of Vietnamese Humanities, discusses his research on the history and development of the Vietnamese language in a Columbia News feature. In the interview, Phan shares insights from his book, Lost Tongues of the Red River: Annamese Middle Chinese and the Origins of the Vietnamese Language, which uncovers the history of Annamese Middle Chinese and its role in the formation of modern Vietnamese.
Phan's research was also recently mentioned by President Jennifer L. Mnookin in her welcome message for the 2026-27 academic year.
