Co-hosts Kenneth and Professor John Phan (Columbia University) unpack what “Sinitic neologisms” really are and explore the tension between cosmopolitan and vernacular languages in East and Southeast Asia.

The conversation moves from nationalist narratives to the realities of imperial conquest and cultural exchange, with examples like the Trưng Sisters’ rebellion, the role of literary Chinese (văn ngôn) as a truly Vietnamese literary language, and the evolution of cải lương as both vernacular and operatic art. Along the way, they respond to listener critiques, highlight how language opens cultural doors, and tease the next episode on chữ Nôm.