HNUE Journal of Science: Journal of Social Sciences
HNUE Journal of Science: Journal of Social Sciences (HNUE JoSS) is granted the international standard ISSN code 2354-1067 by the National Center for Scientific and Technological Information under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The journal has been awarded points by the State Professor Council for various academic fields: Literature 1.0 point, Psychology 1.0 point, Education 1.0 point; interdisciplinary fields such as Earth Science - Mining 0.75 point, History - Archaeology - Ethnology 1.0 point; Linguistics 0.75 point; Philosophy - Political Science - Sociology 0.25 point. The journal is published quarterly, with four issues annually in February, April, July, and November. It includes full-text research articles in fields such as: Anthropology, Political Science, Social Work, Tourism, Socio-economic Geography, Archaeology, Military Science, Security Studies, Economics, Linguistics, Arts, History, Law, Psychology, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Literature, and Sociology.
THE NÔM TALE OF KIỀU, THE VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE, AND QUỐC NGỮ SCRIPT: LANGUAGE AND WRITING ISSUES IN THE LATE NINETEENTH AND EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURIES THROUGH RESPONSES TO THE TALE OF KIỀU IN SOUTHERN VIETNAM
The issue of Quốc Ngữ script and the Vietnamese language was raised in Southern Vietnam as early as the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Quốc Ngữ journalism and literature in the South demonstrated the convenience and necessity of replacing the traditional Chinese and Nôm scripts. At the same time, an equally urgent and important task was to prove that the Vietnamese language was sufficiently rich to support the development of literature written in Quốc Ngữ. Among the various lines of argument pursued, Southern intellectuals turned to the language of The Tale of Kiều. Although several important studies on the history of the Quốc Ngữ have discussed the contributions of Trương Vĩnh Ký and Huỳnh Tịnh Của, none has examined how these two scholars drew upon the language of The Tale of Kiều to promote Quốc Ngữ. This article is the first to investigate this issue systematically. It focuses on three major activities: Trương Vĩnh Ký's transliteration of The Tale of Kiều from the Nôm script into Quốc Ngữ in 1875 and his use of this first Quốc Ngữ edition as a textbook at the Interpreter School; Huỳnh Tịnh Của's extensive use of linguistic materials from The Tale of Kiều in compiling Đại Nam quấc âm tự vị, the first comprehensive Vietnamese dictionary written in Quốc Ngữ; and the explanation and annotation of the vocabulary of The Tale of Kiều in the Southern Vietnamese press.
Tale of Kiều, Nôm script, Vietnamese language, Quốc Ngữ script, Southern Viet Nam, Trương Vĩnh Ký, Huỳnh Tịnh Của
Copyright (c) 2026 HNUE Journal of Science: Journal of Social Sciences
THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN HO CHI MINH CITY
The study aims to evaluate the correlation between the adequacy of financial resources and the effectiveness of four mental health care activities for older adults in Ho Chi Minh City. Using a mixed-methods approach with quantitative data from 420 older adults, linear regression analysis confirms that financial resources have a positive and highly significant association (p < 0.01) with the effectiveness of mental health care. Specifically, financial factors are most strongly correlated with social participation (β = 0.513) and least strongly associated with basic psychological support (β = 0.345). The study highlights the disruption to informal care networks due to financial shortages, thereby proposing the necessity of integrating professional social work services to connect resources and alleviate the burden on families.
Financial resources, mental health, older adults, informal network, social work
PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE IN DATING RELATIONSHIP AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
This study investigates the prevalence and manifestations of psychological violence in dating relationships among university students, and the factors associated with such violence. The study employed a cross-sectional design using convenience sampling. A total of 333 first- to fourth-year undergraduate students from several universities in Hanoi completed a questionnaire developed by the research team. The results using descriptive and inferential statistical methods showed that students in the sample experienced psychological violence in dating relationships, mostly at a moderate level (M = 1.92), with tolerance of controlling behavior being the most common manifestation (M = 1.96). The level of psychological violence in dating relationships among students did not differ according to criteria such as gender, year of study, and field of study. Among the factors influencing the risk of inflicting psychological violence on a partner, cultural factors and gender stereotypes had the greatest influence (r = 0.64), whereas attachment style had the greatest impact (r = 0.47) on the tendency to tolerate psychological violence. Simultaneously, there was an overlap in roles between the perpetrator and the victim. The causes and discussion of the research results are also addressed in this paper.
psychological violence, dating relationships, students, influencing factors, manifestations
HEALTH STATUS AND HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE DALAT URBAN AREA: TOWARDS AN INTEGRATED CARE MODEL
This population aging study is contextualized within the specific urban setting of Da Lat, which is characterized by the distinct impacts of its natural environment and highland climate. The research employs a descriptive cross-sectional design involving a sample of 301 older adults (n = 301), complemented by secondary data analisis, to assess multidimensional health status and the capacity to access healthcare services. Results indicate that despite high health insurance coverage (98.3%) and a strong preference for “aging in place,” older adults face a significant burden of chronic diseases (66.8%), alongside mobility decline and psychosocial health issues. Furthermore, actual healthcare access and service use remain constrained by barriers such as a lack of information regarding home care services, complex administrative procedures, and financial burdens. Drawing upon these empirical findings, the study proposes the development of an integrated care model for older adults in Da Lat. This model emphasizes the imperative of centering home- and community-based care, advocating for a systemic transition toward chronic disease management coupled with social work to ensure comprehensive welfare for this demographic.
Older adults, population aging, healthcare access, integrated care, Da Lat urban area
DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CRITERIA FOR SA PA, LAO CAI: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH BASED ON GLOBAL STANDARDS AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INDICATOR SYSTEMS
This study develops and validates a set of criteria for assessing sustainable tourism in Sa Pa, Lao Cai, amid increasing pressures on the environment, infrastructure, and the degradation of cultural values. An integrated approach combining the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and an indicator system aligned with the Swiss Sustainable Tourism Programme (SSTP) is applied to propose 26 indicators across five pillars: governance, economy, community, culture, and environment. Data collected from 312 tourism enterprises were analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The results indicate that the model is highly reliable while also revealing uneven development among the pillars. Governance was rated positively, whereas cultural and environmental aspects show notable limitations. Based on these findings, the study proposes several orientations to enhance governance effectiveness and promote sustainable tourism development in Sa Pa.
sustainable tourism, Sa Pa, GSTC, SSTP, indicator system
“A CENTURY OF REVISITING THE STORY OF THE OTTER'S SON” BY LIU SHOU HUA AND COMPARATIVE RESEARCH ON THE LEGEND OF ĐINH TIÊN HOÀNG IN THE EAST ASIAN SINOSPHERE
The legend of Đinh Tiên Hoàng belongs to the Otter's hybrid Son Tale type - a well-known legend type associated with the founding emperors of East Asian cultures. However, this tale type remains largely unknown in Vietnam, and Đinh Tiên Hoàng’s purported descent from an otter has received little attention from a cultural perspective. The article “A Century of Revisiting the Story of the Otter's Son” by Liu Shou Hua consists of three main parts: an overview of the plot structure of the tale type; the influence of fengshui practices on its narrative structure and their historical and cultural significance; and several discussions focusing on perspectives from Korean Chinese and Japanese scholars. His study provides valuable references and suggests new directions for the comparative analysis of the legend of Đinh Tiên Hoàng within the East Asian Sinosphere based on a type–motif approach combined with textual analysis and an interregional perspective. In particular, it raises questions concerning the tale’s genesis and the identification of its principal sphere of influence, whether Sinicization or Southeast Asian; and the problem of narrative agency in the construction of variants; and the structuring of political and fengshui layers of meaning within the legend.
Đinh Tiên Hoàng, East Asia, Liu Shou Hua, comparative study, China
VIETNAM’S EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO CAMBODIA IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING, 1979 - 1989
This article examines Vietnam’s assistance to the People’s Republic of Kampuchea in education and training during the period 1979 - 1989. Based on archival materials from National Archives Center III, documents of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and international scholarship, the article focuses on clarifying four issues: the state of Cambodian education in 1979; Vietnam’s policy on assisting Cambodia; the implementation of support activities; and the main outcomes and limitations. The study shows that Vietnam’s support played a very important role in the recovery of Cambodia’s education system after the Khmer Rouge regime, and offers useful lessons concerning educational aid under post-war conditions and embargoed context.
Vietnam, Cambodia, education and training, special Vietnam-Cambodia relationship, assistance
WAR MEMORIES AND GENDERED REPRESENTATIONS OF WOMEN IN WAR: READING WOMEN’S NOVEL BY LÝ LAN
Women’s Novel by Vietnamese-Chinese writer Lý Lan explores the relationship between war, women, and memory. Using case study, sociohistorical, and textual-analysis methods, this article examines war memories and the representations of wartime women in the novel. From this perspective, the article demonstrates that wartime memory, described through spaces of the battlefield, the rear area, and imprisonment provide the setting for women’s stories of violence, loss, family, love, and the meaning of life. In doing so, Lý Lan restores women’s experiences in war literature – experiences that had been marginalized for centuries due to the dominance of male perspectives.
war, war literature, memory, women, Lý Lan, Women’s Novel
COMMUNITY CULTURE AND DIGITAL TRUST IN SMART CITIES IN JAPAN: A SOCIETY 5.0 PERSPECTIVE
This article examines the dialectical relationship between traditional community cultural values and the creation of digital trust in Japan’s smart-city initiatives. Through literature review and case study analysis, the research clarifies how Japan applies the Society 5.0 framework to resolve paradoxes between technology and culture. The research findings indicate that digital trust in Japan is not built solely on technical security solutions but is rooted in Kizuna (social bonds) and consent-based data governance (Opt-in). From these insights, the study offers several recommendations for Vietnam in developing a trust ecosystem when implementing smart urban areas.
smart city, society 5.0, digital trust, community culture, Kizuna
POWER DISCOURSE AND SUBJECT FORMATION IN NGUYEN MOT’S HEAVEN AND EARTH IN TURMOIL
This study analyzes the mechanisms through which power operates in Heaven and Earth in Turmoil by Nguyen Mot, drawing on Michel Foucault’s discourse theory. In the novel, power is legitimized through three interwoven layers of discourse: mythological–spiritual; communal ethical and patriarchal discourse; and revolutionary–legitimizing discourse. These discursive layers distribute the right to speak among characters in an asymmetrical order: on one side are subjects who claim access to “truth” and exercise authority over the fate of the community; on the other are subjects deprived of self-definition and pushed into silence. In some cases, subordinated subjects, through processes of internalization, become agents who reproduce violence against more vulnerable individuals. Alongside the discourse of power, however, the novel also constructs a counter-discourse of love and compassion, affirming the intrinsic strength of humanistic values in the face of domination. The findings offer a new perspective on the novel while also demonstrating the effectiveness of discourse theory in interpreting contemporary Vietnamese literature.
discourse, power, subject formation, Heaven and Earth in Turmoil, Nguyen Mot
Kính gửi Ban biên tập, chúng tôi xin gửi đến Tạp chí Khoa học ĐH Sư phạm Hà Nội bản thảo bài viết thuộc lĩnh vực nghiên cứu văn học Việt Nam; hướng tiếp cận lý thuyết diễn ngôn.
THE “HERO OF WEAKNESS” AS A CHARACTER TYPE AND THE TRAGEDY OF THE ARTIST IN THOMAS MANN’S DEATH IN VENICE
Drawing on Thomas Mann's concept of “heroes of weakness” (“Helden der Schwäche”) and combining structural analysis of the subject with a socio-aesthetic comparative approach, this article examines Death in Venice to investigate the crisis of the modern artistic subject under the pressure of the ethics of achievement (Leistungsethik). The study elucidates the operational mechanism of the subject structure: from ascetic discipline and the accumulation of latent counterforces to the resurgence of Eros and the state of rapture (Rausch), culminating in the disintegration of reflective capacity. The protagonist's death is interpreted not as a consequence of the epidemic but as the structural culmination of degeneration. The findings contribute to shifting the reception of the work from symbolic interpretation toward an analysis of subject structure, while offering a critical diagnosis of the limitations of the artist model in modernity.
Thomas Mann, Death in Venice, heroes of weakness, ethics of achievement, subject crisis
BUDDHIST ETHICS IN ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN ĐUỐC TUỆ MAGAZINE (1935-1945)
This article examines the system of Buddhist ethics through articles published in Đuốc Tuệ magazine (1935-1945), a significant periodical of the Buddhist revival movement in colonial Tonkin. Employing content analysis combined with a historical-cultural approach, the study investigates articles addressing on the ethics of the Four Debts (tứ ân), filial piety (hiếu đạo), the Six Directions (lục phương), the Five Precepts (ngũ giới), the Six Perfections (lục độ), and the Four Immeasurables (từ bi hỉ xả). The findings reveal a three-tiered ethical structure: personal, familial, and social, reflecting a comprehensive moral framework that encompasses both individual self-cultivation and broader socail responsibility. The research further identifies a deliberate and innovative dissemination strategy, manifested in the “Vietnamization” of Buddhist doctrine through traditional Vietnamese poetic forms, and the integration of Confucian values, all aimed at engaging a diverse readership. In doing so, Đuốc Tuệ affirmed its role as a vital cultural and spiritual forum in which Buddhist intellectuals collaborated to safeguard national identity against the pressures of colonization.
ethics, Buddhism, Đuốc Tuệ, revival, colonial
Lịch sử Việt Nam cận đại, Lịch sử Phật giáo Việt Nam
THE AUTHENTICITY OF TRADITIONAL BROCADE IN THE CONTEXT OF COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN MAI CHAU DESTINATION,PHU THO PROVINCE, VIETNAM
This study analyzes the relationship between authenticity and commercialization of traditional brocade weaving in the context of tourism development in Mai Chau using methods such as literature review and analysis, field surveys, sociological investigation, and ethnographic fieldwork. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and questionnaires with 206 respondents, including artisans, local residents, business owners, local authorities, and tourists, and were then processed using statistical analysis with Excel software. The results show that brocade weaving in Lac Village and Hang Kia is still maintained but is affected differently by tourism and commercialization. In Lac Village, tourism has expanded the market and increased income, but brocade products tend to change in materials, colors, and patterns. Meanwhile, Hang Kia retains more traditional elements but faces difficulties in market access and the risk of decline due to limited economic incentives. Based on these findings, the study proposes several solutions to preserve and promote the value of brocade within community-based tourism development.
traditional brocade, authenticity, commercialization, tourism, Mai Chau
ENHANCING AWARENESS OF GENDER EQUALITY IN EDUCATION AMONG ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS THROUGH GROUP SOCIAL WORK
Gender inequality in education remains a persistent issue globally and in Vietnam, particularly among ethnic minority students. Although school-based initiatives aimed at raising gender equality awareness have been implemented, school social work interventions specifically experimental activities employing group work methods remain strictly limited. Utilizing a mixed-methods design incorporating questionnaire surveys analyzed via SPSS software, this study analyzes and compares students' awareness levels pre- and post-intervention across both an experimental group and a control group. The findings indicate that following the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in awareness across all evaluated domains, whereas no significant change was observed in the control group. Based on these empirical results, the paper proposes key recommendations to improve the overall effectiveness of school social work interventions in educational settings.
Gender equality in education, group social work, awareness, ethnic minority students
THE FEMME FATALE IN THE DETECTIVE NOVELS OF BORIS AKUNIN (A STUDY OF THE WINTER QUEEN, THE DEATH OF ACHILLES, THE CORONATION AND HE LOVER OF DEATH)
The femme fatale is one of the most enduring and emblematic figures in classical Russian literature. In Boris Akunin’s the detective fiction, this archetype undergoes significant desacralization and reconstruction. In the series featuring the detective Erast Fandorin, Akunin continues to place female characters at the center of the narrative; however, they are no longer associated with a sacred redemptive role. Instead, they emerge as complex, ambitious, and powerful individuals capable of influencing and reshaping the destinies of men. By returning female figures to the realm of ordinary human experience, Akunin creates innovative and multifaceted variations of the traditional model, thereby encouraging readers to reflect on the role and significance of femininity in contemporary society.
femme fatale, Boris Akunin, angelic woman, rebellious woman, ambivalence
URBAN ANTHROPOLOGICAL NARRATOLOGY IN NGUYEN VIET HA’S URBANITE NOVEL
This article approaches the novel Urbanite Novel from the perspective of urban anthropological narratology, viewing storytelling as a form of practice and a means of constructing cultural meaning within urban spaces. The research findings indicate that, at the level of content, the work constructs an intersubjective “narrative community” where urban dwellers collectively recount their lives. This process reveals the fractures, collisions, and restructuring of Hanoi’s “cultural genetic code” amidst modernization. The differing perspectives of these urban dwellers not only reflect generational differences but also create a polyphonic field of dialogue organized through the narrator's parodic tone and self-reflective consciousness. At the level of form, urban anthropology functions as an organizing principle of narrative organization through an urban narrator and an assemblage structure. The technique of shifting focalization allows urban experiences to be expressed from multiple positions, while the fragmented-interwoven structure reimagines the city as a multi-layered space of memory and consciousness. Ultimately, the narrative does not merely reflect but actively participates in the construction of urban cultural meaning.
Narratology, urban anthropology, novel, Nguyen Viet Ha
SACRED LANDSCAPES IN CENTRAL HIGHLANDS NOVELS: FROM CULTURAL SPIRITUAL SYSTEMS TO CONSERVATION CONFLICTS
This study investigates the concept of sacred landscapes in novels set in the Central Highlands, approaching this construct as a “dual sign” that reflects the intersection between the lived physical space and the metaphysical dimensions of traditional beliefs in Yàng and ancestors. Employing discourse analysis, landscape criticism, and an interdisciplinary approach grounded in cultural studies and anthropology, this article analyzes representative works by Vu Hanh, Trung Trung Dinh, Thu Loan, and Dang Ba Canh. The findings indicate that the sacred landscapes are constructed through belief systems, ritual practices, and collective memory; however, this space is currently facing a profound rupture under the impacts of modernization and urbanization. This fragmentation not only yields ecological repercussions but also precipitates a severe crisis in indigenous cultural identity. Consequently, the paper affirms the role of literature as a mechanism for archiving memory and establishing a discourse of resistance, thereby contributing to the preservation of the core humanistic values within the cultural space of the Central Highlands.
Sacred landscapes, Central Highlands, contemporary novels, cultural formation, identity preservation
TOURISTS’ EVALUATION OF THE TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION OF RIVER TOURISM IN CAN THO CITY
This study examines the territorial organization of river tourism in Can Tho City from the perspective of tourist experience, based on survey data collected from 236 visitors. Descriptive statistics and quantitative analysis were employed to investigate the key components of the tourism system, including route-point spatial structure, infrastructure and services, territorial connectivity, and tourist experience. The findings indicate that the tourism space has developed relatively clearly along the central axis of Ninh Kieu - Cai Rang, with outlying sites such as My Khanh and Con Son playing a complementary role in shaping visitor experiences, particularly in cultural and community dimensions. However, spatial distribution remains uneven, infrastructure and services are not yet fully synchronized, and the level of connectivity between different areas is still limited. Furthermore, the gap between tourist satisfaction and the completeness of structural development suggests that the effectiveness of river tourism is influenced not only by the availability of resources but also on how tourism space is organized. This finding implies the need to strengthen spatial linkages and adopt a network-based model of territorial organization.
spatial organization of tourism, river-based tourism, tourist experience, tourism spatial structure, Can Tho City
THE KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM OF VIETNAMESE MARITIME CULTURE: IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERISTICS, AND VALUES
Throughout history, most kingdoms and states that came into being within the territorial space of Vietnam were closely tied to the sea. Many cultures across the northern, central, and southern regions were also formed in riverine and coastal areas, as well as on islands and archipelagos. Studies of Vietnam’s geographical position, development potential, and natural and human resources have increasingly underscored the importance of the sea to national planning and development strategies. It may therefore be affirmed that the sea is a constitutive factor in shaping the structure, socio-cultural characteristics, and stature of the Vietnamese nation. This article focuses on clarifying the perceptions and viewpoints of the Party and the State regarding the sea and marine culture. It also examines the concepts of knowledge and marine cultural knowledge, the conceptual content and principal spatial distribution of this knowledge system, and the creative agents, distinctive features, unique values, and spirit of creativity embodied in Vietnam’s marine knowledge system and culture.
Knowledge, maritime cultural knowledge, spatial distribution, characteristics of the Vietnamese maritime knowledge system
Copyright (c) 2026 Trường Đại học Sư phạm Hà Nội: Khoa học Xã hội
ECONOMIC CRISIS IN VIETNAM 1929-1933: A CASE STUDY OF RUBBER CULTIVATION AND EXPORT
Rubber cultivation and export constituted one of the most important economic sectors in Vietnam during the French colonial period. However, to date, no research has focused on the crisis in this sector during the years 1929-1933. The study focuses not on addressing all aspects of the history of rubber cultivation and export, which have been extensively studied, but instead on analyzing and clarifying a small, specific aspect that has received little attention: the causes, manifestations, and consequences in the rubber cultivation and export sector in Vietnam during the period 1929-1933. Another novelty is that the research is conducted based on the use of French-language sources, mostly primary sources – archival documents that have not been widely published. Based on the content, approach, and new sources of information, the research results contribute to a better understanding of modern Vietnamese history, the nature of the colonial regime, and the fate of Vietnamese hired laborers in French capitalist enterprises.
economic crisis, rubber cultivation and export, Vietnam, French colonial capitalism
EMERGING THEMES IN CONTEMPORARY EAST ASIAN SCIENCE FICTION
This article identifies key thematic trends in contemporary East Asian science fiction through an interdisciplinary analysis of representative works from Taiwan - China, Japan, South Korea. It outlines four major thematic axes: ecological crises in post-industrial contexts; the emergence of posthuman bodies; the expansion of data-driven surveillance; and the figure of robots and AI, which not only anthropomorphize technology but also expose a deepening sense of loneliness in modern life. By contrasting these themes with Western science fiction traditions, the study highlights the distinctive socio-cultural anxieties of East Asian societies while opening up critical reflections on the ecological, ethical, and human limits of scientific progress. The article argues that East Asian science fiction is becoming an important imaginative space through which societies in the region confront and negotiate the transformations of the technological age.
East Asian science fiction, ecological crisis, memory control, data surveillance, posthumanism
MUSICALITY IN THE POETRY OF SELECTED ENGAGED POETS IN SOUTH VIETNAM (1954–1975)
This article focuses on the issue of rhythmic devices in the poetry of several socially engaged poets in Southern Vietnam during the period 1954–1975. The study aims to identify and analyze rhythmic patterns, repetition, and rhyme coordination in order to clarify the musical characteristics of their poetic texts. The study employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, analyzing poetic texts from a linguistic perspective while also measuring elements such as rhythm, rhyme, pitch, duration, and resonance to identify musical effects. The article uses a corpus of poems by socially engaged poets such as Ngo Kha, Tran Quang Long, Nguyen Quoc Thai, and Le Van Ngan. The findings indicate that the poetry of these authors demonstrates flexibility and effectiveness in rhythmic expression, which not only contributes to emotional articulation but also reflects their spirit of social engagement. As a result, the study contributes an additional linguistic perspective to the study of Southern Vietnamese engaged poetry in the period 1954–1975.
devices, musicality, Ngo Kha, Tran Quang Long, Southern
RESEARCHING THE MARRIAGE OF TỪ THỨC TO A FAIRY FROM A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
The story The Marriage of Từ Thức to a Fairy, excerpted from Nguyễn Dữ’s collection Scattered Notes on Strange Tales, is a masterpiece of medieval Vietnamese literature. Adopting a comparative perspective, this study provides a comprehensive examination of the work across two primary dimensions: (1) Decoding the interactive dynamics between chuanqi fiction and folklore; and (2) Analyzing the creative adaptation of East Asian chuanqi motifs in comparison with works from China and Korea. The research findings clarify Nguyễn Dữ’s strategies of “historicizing” and “intellectualizing” folk material to express profound philosophical reflections on human life and the zeitgeist. Furthermore, the study affirms the author’s agency in the appropriation of regional chuanqi traditions, thereby affirming the independent position and distinct cultural identity of Vietnam within the broader currents of the East Asian cultural.
comparative literature, medieval literature, East Asian chuanqi, Scattered Notes on Strange Tales, The Marriage of Từ Thức to a Fairy
“LITERATURE AS THE EXPRESSION OF THE SELF” IN THE CONCEPTION OF MEDIEVAL VIETNAMESE LITERATURE
The role and position of literature in human life has always been a matter of concern throughout history. To define this is also to define the very existence of literature in society. While today much attention is paid to the notion of “literature as a form of human inquiry,” earlier thinkers extensively discussed the idea of “literature as an expression of the self.” This issue has attracted attention since very early times, both in the East and the West. In Vietnam, due to specific cultural and historical conditions as well as socio-economic circumstances, medieval writers regarded literature first and foremost as the most fundamental means of expressing their human identity. Such expression, on the one hand, revealed their personhood, and on the other, contributed to the formation of individual literary style. More broadly, the notion of “literature as man” also implies literature for humanity, serving to humanize function. Employing socio-cultural approaches, comparative methods, and analytical and synthetic methods, this article clarifies how the concept of “literature as man” operates in the medieval period, viewed in reference to modern perspectives.
literature as the self, medieval Vietnamese literature, identity, literary style, humanism
ACADEMIC JOURNAL AND CULTURAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
In the context of globalization, the cultural industry has emerged as a vital component of economic development. This paper analyzes the mediating role of academic journals in facilitating international knowledge exchange and supporting the sustainable development of this sector. Employing descriptive methods and a comprehensive analysis of domestic and international academic literature, the study identifies barriers, including language constraints, financial limitations, and a relatively modest international publication standing in the Arts and Humanities compared to international and regional peers. Consequently, the article proposes strategic solutions, with a particular emphasis on multilingual publishing models and open access, to enhance international integration capacity and assert national knowledge sovereignty.
cultural industry, creative industry, academic journal, cultural mediator, international publishing
EMPRESS TỐNG THỊ LAN FROM HISTORICAL DISCOURSE TO LITERARY DISCOURSE: A CASE STUDY OF EMPRESS DOWAGER TỪ DỤ BY TRẦN THÙY MAI
Empress Tống Thị Lan was the first empress associated with the founding of the Nguyễn dynasty and she has been represented in numerous literary works. This study employs Michel Foucault’s discourse theory to examine the representation of Empress Tống Thị Lan through a comparison of historical and literary discourses (with Trần Thùy Mai’s Empress Dowager Từ Dụ as a case study). The empress is approached as a “convergence point” of power in which historical discourse and literary discourse operate through different mechanisms. The research findings indicate that, while historical discourse functions as a mechanism for legitimising knowledge about women within the court power structure, literary discourse redistributes discursive authority, repositioning and restoring knowledge about the female subject that has been obscured in history. On this basis, several important issues concerning the position of women under the monarchical social system are brought into focus. This study also demonstrates the applicability of Foucault’s discourse theory to the study of contemporary Vietnamese historical novels.
historical discourse, literary discourse, power/knowledge, Empress Dowager Từ Dụ
VIETNAMESE MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATIONS IN CAMBODIA IN THE 1920s AND 1930s
Based on an examination of the charters of Vietnamese Mutual Assistance Associations in Cambodia in the 1920s and 1930s, this article aims to examine the emergence as well as the diversity of Vietnamese Associations in Cambodia. During the 1920s and 1930s, numerous Vietnamese Mutual Aid Associations were established, including those based on place of origin, occupation and religion. An analysis of the founding purposes and operational regulations of these associations indicates that, although they were established with the permission of the French colonial authorities, they primarily functioned as organizations with significant socio-cultural functions. Their activities reflected traditional Vietnamese cultural values among overseas communities, including mutual support in times of hardship, illness, unemployment and misfortune, as well as the maintenance of spiritual practices such as ancestor worship and Buddhist observance. Through these activities, networks among Vietnamese migrants were formed, providing assistance to newly arrived migrants in Cambodia and to those facing difficulties while living abroad. Consequently, these Associations contributed to the development of a highly cohesive overseas Vietnamese community.
Mutual Assistance Association, Vietnamese, Cambodia, culture, French colonial period
THE IMPACT OF LABOR EXPORT ON HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND LIVING CONDITIONS IN DONG THANH COMMUNE, NGHE AN PROVINC
Labor export has become an important source of employment and income for many rural households in Vietnam, particularly in provinces with a long tradition of overseas employment such as Nghe An. This study analyzes the impact of labor export on household income and living conditions in Dong Thanh commune. Data were collected from a survey of 140 households with members currently working or previously employed abroad during the period 2015–2024. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were applied to examine the effects of labor export on different aspects of household well-being. The results show that labor export helps improve household income, living conditions, and economic stability. Among the examined factors, improvements in living conditions have the strongest effect, followed by economic benefits and opportunities for household development. However, the impact on the ability to create sustainable livelihoods after return migration remains limited. Based on these results, the study suggests several measures to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of labor export in local areas.
labor export, rural households, income, living conditions, economic security, Dong Thanh commune
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CENTRAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN THE GOVERNANCE MECHANISM OF THE NORTHERN FRONTIER UNDER THE LÝ DYNASTY (1009-1226)
This paper examines the relationship between central and local authorities in the governance of the northern frontier under the Lý Dynasty (1009-1226). It focuses on the interaction between state policies and the specific characteristics of the frontier region, thereby clarifying the administrative mechanisms applied in this area. Based on premodern Vietnamese historical sources and an analysis of major historical events, the study elucidates two key elements: the rule-based governance and local autonomy, as well as their roles in the management of the frontier region. The findings show that the governance of the northern frontier under the Lý Dynasty was carried out through a combination of strengthening central authority by means of law and recognizing certain forms of autonomy among local communities and ethnic minority groups. The relationship between the central government and local forces was flexible rather than confrontational, varying between submission, conflict, and cooperation depending on the socio-political context. This paper thus contributes to clarifying the characteristics of frontier governance under the Lý Dynasty, which aimed to maintain social stability, ensure border security, and reinforce central authority in the historical context of medieval Đại Việt.
Lý Dynasty, the Northern frontier, central-local relations
Lịch sử Việt Nam cổ trung đại, Lịch sử tổ chức bộ máy nhà nước và nền hành chính Việt Nam thời trung đại
CONSTRUCTED AND CONSTRAINED: REPRESENTATIONS OF WOMEN IN NÔM NARRATIVE POETRY THROUGH THE “MALE GAZE” THEORY
Drawing on the “male gaze” theory and feminist criticism, this article examines a corpus of Nom narrative poems (truyện thơ Nôm) centered on the themes of love and marriage to elucidate the construction of female figures through a masculine lens. Utilizing interdisciplinary research methods including statistical classification and structural-systemic analysis, the author decodes linguistic signs describing physical appearance, secluded domestic spaces (khuê các), and the self-expressive discourse of female characters. The findings reveal that women in Nom narrative poems often manifest as “products” of patriarchal ideology: graceful, frail, and melancholic, serving as aesthetic objects or “ornaments” for male-authored literature. Consequently, the study unmasks the manipulative mechanisms of male authors and the inherent gender prejudices within the medieval context. This research not only highlights the passive position of women but also provides a novel approach to gender power relations in medieval Vietnamese literature, offering new insights for contemporary gender studies.
“Male gaze” theory, Nôm narrative poetry, female representation, deficiency, external shaping