Digital Technology Helps Preserve Traditional Culture
In the context of globalization, preserving traditional culture faces many challenges. The application of digital technology has emerged as an effective and sustainable way to safeguard and promote the cultural heritage of ethnic communities.
Safeguarding Heritage in Lam Dong
Western Lam Dong is a land rich in cultural identity, home to more than 40 ethnic groups. The region preserves invaluable heritage such as gong culture, epics, folk songs, brocade weaving, and festivals deeply tied to the spiritual life of the M’nông, Ê đê, and Mạ people.
In recent years, the Lam Dong cultural sector has applied information technology to digitize thousands of images and videos of festivals, customs, epics, and traditional instruments. This digital archive not only ensures long-term preservation and reduces the risk of loss but also makes it easier for younger generations to access their cultural roots.
Instead of waiting for festivals, people can now, with just a few taps on their phones, learn about the Mạ’s forest-worship ritual, the Ê đê’s K’pan procession, or enjoy the resounding gongs of the M’nông.
Promoting Culture Beyond Local Boundaries
Digital technology is not only about storage—it also helps promote Lam Dong’s culture beyond the region. Numerous videos and reports on ethnic traditions are widely shared on social media, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
At the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark, digital applications act as an “extended arm,” guiding visitors to explore geological heritage intertwined with local culture. Several destinations in the geopark have adopted QR codes to introduce the history, legends, and customs of various communities. As a result, visitors' experiences become more vibrant, and traditional cultural values are widely disseminated.
H’đá, an artisan in Cư Jút Commune who has dedicated many years to gong performances and Ê đê brocade weaving, shared: “I was taught by cultural officials how to record the weaving process and gong performances. These videos are uploaded online, so students and anyone who loves Ê đê brocade weaving can watch them. More importantly, it preserves memories for future generations to learn in a visual way.”
Challenges and Opportunities
It can be said that digital technology is opening new doors for the preservation and promotion of traditional culture in Lam Dong. Thanks to the integration of heritage values and technological power, the beauty of local culture is not only preserved for the future but also becomes a resource for tourism development and enhancing the community's spiritual life. This is evidence that cultural preservation is not just a responsibility but also an opportunity in the digital age.
However, the application of digital technology in preserving traditional culture faces several challenges. Technological infrastructure in remote areas of Lam Dong is still limited, leading to uneven access. Most artisans are elderly and encounter difficulties when using digital devices. Additionally, if efforts are limited to mere digitization without promotional strategies or connections to tourism and education, the cultural data may fall into neglect.
A Way Forward
To maximize impact, Lam Dong needs a comprehensive digitization strategy, along with training for skilled personnel who understand both technology and local culture. Artisans should be supported with equipment and basic digital training to actively participate in heritage preservation. At the same time, engaging younger generations—those adept in technology—can lead to creative products such as documentaries, games, and mobile applications related to traditional culture. By doing so, technology will not only be a tool for preservation but also a catalyst, making cultural heritage vibrant and relevant in modern life.