The Vietnamese word "chữ nôm" refers to a traditional writing system used in Vietnam that combines Chinese characters with locally developed characters to represent Vietnamese sounds and meanings. It is often considered a demotic script, which means it was used for everyday writing rather than formal purposes.
"Chữ nôm" was primarily used from the 13th century until the early 20th century. It allowed Vietnamese speakers to write their language more accurately than with Chinese characters alone, as it incorporated Vietnamese vocabulary and grammar.
While "chữ nôm" primarily refers to the traditional Vietnamese script, it can also denote the cultural and historical significance of this script in Vietnam’s literary heritage.
In summary, "chữ nôm" is an important part of Vietnam's linguistic history, representing a unique blend of Chinese influence and indigenous Vietnamese language.