The Vietnamese language is the official language of Vietnam and is spoken by over 86 million people. It belongs to the Austroasiatic language family and is known for its distinct tones, which can change the meaning of words. There are six tones in Vietnamese, making pronunciation crucial for effective communication. Vietnamese uses a Latin-based alphabet called Quốc Ngữ, which was developed in the 17th century. This writing system replaced traditional characters and has made the language more accessible to learners. Vietnamese is also influenced by Chinese, French, and English, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural exchanges.