There are four options given, and the correct answer is A: Chinese. Vietnamese elites historically used Chinese as their language of choice. Here is a detailed explanation:
Background:
- Vietnam has a long history of Chinese influence, which began during the Han dynasty in the 2nd century BC.
- Chinese culture, philosophy, and administrative systems greatly influenced Vietnamese society.
Reasons why Vietnamese elites used Chinese:
- Cultural and Intellectual Influence: Chinese culture and philosophy were highly regarded among the Vietnamese elite, leading to the adoption of the Chinese language.
- Administrative Purposes: Chinese characters were used in official documents and bureaucracy, as they provided a standardized writing system.
- Education and Scholarship: Chinese was the language of education and scholarship. Vietnamese elites were expected to study and master Chinese literature, history, and philosophy.
- Social Prestige: Speaking and writing in Chinese was seen as a symbol of status and sophistication.
Challenges and Changes:
- Vietnamese is the native language of the majority of the population, but it was not used extensively by the elites.
- The French colonial period (late 19th to mid-20th century) brought about significant changes in Vietnam, including the introduction of the French language.
- French eventually replaced Chinese as the language of administration and education during the colonial period.
In conclusion, Vietnamese elites historically used the Chinese language due to cultural, administrative, educational, and social reasons. However, with the influence of French colonialism, the language landscape of Vietnam underwent significant changes.