Nurturing passion for traditional culture

Young people participate in performing the art of tang tung and da da dance at the space of the 6th "Echo of Gongs" Festival in Nam Giang district, 2024. Photo: DANG NGUYEN

Mr. Dinh Muok - former member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, former Head of the Provincial Ethnic Committee: Focusing on the "roots" of culture

The policy of preserving and restoring the traditional culture of ethnic minorities has always been of interest to the Party, the State and authorities at all levels, creating favorable conditions to support the development of mountainous communities. Quang Nam is not outside of that goal. In recent times, the province has issued many resolutions on preserving and promoting the unique cultural values of ethnic groups.

In the new development process, it requires those who work in cultural affairs to have a deep understanding, that is, to have both a foundation and passion and dedication for this particular job. Because, if you are hungry for food, others can give you and support you; but if you are hungry for culture, you are considered to have lost your roots and the basis of your life. That is not new but not old, especially for the culture of ethnic groups in the mountains.

Previously, I had made a rebuttal statement to the provincial leaders, stating that in the reports on the work of preserving mountainous culture, the figures on investment costs and the system of cultural institutions do not reflect the core story of cultural preservation. Because, although the investment costs are billions of dong, it is only the surface, sometimes very costly but not as effective as expected.

People still have to go to work, develop the economy, no one is there to keep the gongs and drums, to keep the cultural house. Meanwhile, the institutional items need human breath, need fire to exist and maintain. Not to mention, many community cultural houses in the past were made of very beautiful wood.

After a period of use, it is damaged, the forest gate is closed, even if people want to preserve it, they cannot do it, they have to abandon it, which is very inappropriate. Therefore, preserving culture must follow the practical story of culture; must respect the indigenous culture of each ethnic group in the mountains.

In the long term, in my opinion, the State needs to devote large resources to improving the knowledge of the team working in cultural management and preservation. There are not many old artisans who understand the culture of their ancestors, while today's youth are not very interested in the heritage of their ancestors.

Therefore, to preserve, first of all, it is necessary to choose a direction from the "roots", which means focusing on investing and nurturing people, especially supporting and encouraging artisans to participate. At the same time, improve cultural knowledge, promote passion and artistic creativity in today's youth...

Mr. Cho Rum Nhien - former Secretary of Nam Giang District Party Committee: Inspiring young people about their cultural roots

In the current context, the story of preserving mountainous culture can be said to be facing many difficulties. The number of artisans who understand culture is decreasing, and young people, although motivated and well-grounded, have a low level of understanding of traditional culture. That causes many obstacles, even challenges, in encouraging young people to approach culture and preserve the culture of their people.

In Nam Giang, some localities such as Zuoih and Ta Bhing communes are promoting community identity very well. Many young people have knowledge of technology, participate in community work, contributing to the preservation and promotion of values in tourism development.

In order for localities to synchronously deploy electronic data systems and digitization in the field of traditional cultural preservation, it is necessary to first train people, in this case, ethnic minority human resources with sufficient knowledge, enthusiasm and deep understanding of the cultural identity of ethnic minorities.

In the next term, when the district level no longer exists, the commune level needs to issue a separate resolution on the work of preserving and promoting the cultural identity of ethnic groups in the area. In particular, focus on preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of some ethnic groups that have been recognized as national tangible and intangible heritage.

On the basis of improving support policies for artisans - those who work to teach community culture, not only helps inspire young people, who have access to digital technology, but also contributes to promoting cultural values further and further.

The Co Tu people in Tay Giang district enjoy the village festival to welcome guests taking place at the end of 2024. Photo: DANG NGUYEN

In the coming time, the province needs to pay attention to tourism infrastructure investment policies, support localities to promote the establishment of community art teams and groups. At the same time, build a new generation of ethnic minorities who are knowledgeable about culture and technology to integrate traditional cultural values into digital technology platforms, from collecting and preserving original dances and songs to rituals and ceremonies to organize community cultural activities.

In addition, every year we need to make efforts to maintain and organize traditional cultural activities, linked with tourism development, turning cultural products of mountainous communities into typical tourism products to attract tourists.

Village elder Y Kong - former Chairman of Dong Giang District People's Committee: Preserving culture, the root lies in people

The Co Tu people or any ethnic minority group living in the highlands are proud of their ethnic cultural identity. That shows the irreplaceable importance of traditional culture to community life.

In order for a community to maintain its cultural values, I think it is necessary to first focus on the human factor. Because that is the root of the story, because after all, culture is also created by humans, preserved over thousands of years, from generation to generation.

Therefore, in addition to promoting propaganda to raise awareness of the community - the cultural subjects of the village, the State focuses on policies to train cadres to do cultural management work. In particular, priority is given to ethnic minority cadres who are knowledgeable about local and community culture.

Along with that, invest resources to restore traditional craft villages, restore architecture, support policies for artisans, those who are passionate about conservation work. At the same time, integrate indigenous culture into educational programs, including programs to learn the language and writing of their ethnic groups.

In addition, encourage the young generation to approach traditional culture, participate more in community activities to experience and learn from the experiences of their predecessors.

Culture is not simply a tangible and intangible heritage, but more broadly it lies in the character and spirit of community solidarity of each ethnic group. Therefore, to preserve culture, we must preserve the spirit of solidarity, especially the common customary laws of the community.

The culture of solidarity is the strength that helps village elders and artisans better perform their role of transmitting and educating their children. Like the Co Tu people, the construction of the gươl, weddings, funerals, etc. all receive the contribution of the whole community. That is also thanks to the good promotion of the cultural task of solidarity in each family, clan, village, and society.

I tell this story, a true story, which happened in Dong Giang a few months ago, so that everyone can think about how to preserve the culture of the mountainous region. Last year, a Co Tu village elder in Prao town asked me to play 4 drums.

At the same time, he expressed his wish that when he passed away, his family would “play drum music” to send him back to his ancestors. However, when he passed away, no one present at the funeral was able to play this musical instrument, so the drum was left empty, rolling around in a corner of the house… Very painful!

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/nuoi-duong-dam-me-voi-van-hoa-truyen-thong-3152096.html