Preserving and promoting the value of the Central Highlands epic

Epics are a unique form of folk literature, typical of the ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, containing profound historical, cultural and scientific values. Epics are passed down in the community through performances and singing in daily life. In 2014, Hơmon of the Ba Na (Gia Lai province) and Ba Na-Ro Ngao (Kon Tum province), Khan of the Ede were recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Since the first epic of the Ede people, “The Song of Dam San - Klei Khan Dam San,” was published in 1927, until now, the research, collection, recording, and translation of the Central Highlands epics have not fully reflected the stature of this treasure. Epic singing and reciting were not taught through formal books. The younger generation listened to the elders in the village sing and recite, and they absorbed it into their memories. In the current context, the people who sing and recite epics are getting older and are gradually decreasing. The space for epic singing and reciting, the performing artists, the listeners, the viewers, etc. have all changed.

Since 2013, Kon Tum province has developed a project to preserve epics, organize the collection, research, translation and publication of epics of the Ba Na and Xo Dang ethnic groups, and restore the art of epic performance. However, up to now, the number of artisans who can preserve epics is very small; the volume of collected epics that have not been processed, translated and republished is relatively large due to the lack of people who can transcribe and translate... Kon Tum is aiming to include epics in teaching at ethnic boarding schools as part of local education.

In Dak Lak province, fieldwork and epic collection have been carried out since the 1980s, contributing valuable epics to the country's literature and art. However, over time, this spiritual food has also faded away in modern life. Dak Lak is currently facing a shortage of artisans teaching epic singing and reciting, while the young generation is not enthusiastic about receiving it.

Therefore, the initiative of Dak Lak province to compile a dossier of the Central Highlands epic treasure to send to UNESCO is considered a solution to open the way for epics to be preserved in essence and promote their value in contemporary life. The provinces can also refer to the current effective method of organizing and mobilizing the creation of musical works, selectively integrating the typical values ​​of epics to promote the typical culture of the Central Highlands.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/gin-giu-phat-huy-gia-tri-su-thi-tay-nguyen-post869690.html