What is Nôm? Chữ Nôm [Chu Nom] script is the old way the Vietnamese language was written for about 1000 years. By the early 20th century the ancient use of Nôm (script) gave way to a roman-style alphabet known as Quốc-Ngữ. Although a vast cultural heritage and history remains in Nôm, few Vietnamese today can read it. (for more information click here)

What is the Vietnamese Nôm Preservation Foundation? The VNPF is a non-profit 501(C)3 public charity devoted to preserving old Chữ Nôm texts and providing Chữ Nôm access to all readers of modern Vietnamese. All of us working for the Foundation are volunteers. (for more information click here)

What is the "Look-Up Tool"? The "Look-Up tool" is an electronic dictionary of Chu Nom ideograms prepared by the Foundation to date. It is the first computer accessible dictionary of Chữ Nôm script. Creating this Nom / Quốc-Ngữ / English dictionary is the main project of the Foundation. We hope that as you use our "Look-Up Tool" you will help us to finish work on our dictionary by making a tax-deductible donation to our organization. We need your help to see the project through to completion.

This website also provides information about the history of Chữ Nôm, other current projects of the Foundation, upcoming public events and the goals of the Foundation. To share your talents as a volunteer or to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Vietnamese Nom Preservation Foundation please contact us at:

The Vietnamese Nôm Preservation Foundation
229 Beachers Brook Lane
Cary, North Carolina 27511
USA
info@nomfoundation.org