Preserving Cultural Roots in a New Homeland

Bringing the Spirit of Home to New Land

In the early years of developing the new economic zone, many families arrived with little more than personal belongings, farming experience and cultural traditions passed down through generations. As the years went by, those values continued to be preserved and handed down, becoming a powerful bond that connects communities in their second homeland.

Across communes in the Lam Ha area, traditional folk melodies brought by settlers from northern Vietnam continue to resonate during community gatherings, festivals and cultural celebrations. "Quan ho" folk songs, "Then" singing, the melodies of the "Tinh" lute and other traditional musical forms evoke memories of ancestral homelands while enriching local cultural life.

For many years, the Lam Ha Folk Music Club has served as a gathering place for people passionate about preserving traditional culture. Beyond regular rehearsals and performances, club members actively collect, teach and compose new lyrics to celebrate the homeland, the nation and the transformation of life in the new settlement area.

According to Trinh Thi Quynh, head of the club, members not only preserve traditional folk melodies but also adapt them with contemporary lyrics for performances at local festivals and events. Through these activities, many young people have gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of their cultural heritage.

Alongside preserving the traditions brought by settlers to the new economic zone, Lam Ha is also home to the rich cultural heritage of indigenous ethnic minority communities. As a result, the local cultural landscape has become increasingly diverse. From the graceful folk songs of northern Vietnam to the distinctive cultural expressions of the Central Highlands, these traditions blend harmoniously to create a multicultural yet deeply rooted identity.

Joining Hands to Preserve Ethnic Cultural Identity

However, amid the rapid pace of modern life, many traditional cultural values face the risk of fading away. The number of artisans and elders with deep knowledge of ethnic traditions continues to decline, while younger generations have greater exposure to modern entertainment and contemporary cultural influences.

Concerned about this reality, many cultural custodians continue their quiet efforts to keep traditions alive. They organize training classes, teach young people to play gongs, introduce traditional rituals and help preserve ethnic minority languages.

“

Preserving ethnic culture requires the participation of the entire community. Today, many elderly artisans pass on their knowledge through lived experience, memory and wisdom accumulated over decades. Therefore, greater support from local authorities is needed to ensure that traditional cultural values continue to be safeguarded and promoted in contemporary life.

K’ The, village elder in Dinh Van Lam Ha Commune

After more than three decades of development, Lam Ha has become home to communities originating from all parts of the country. Despite differences in origins, languages and customs, the ethnic groups living here have remained united, working together to build prosperous lives while preserving the unique cultural identities that define their heritage.

Than Thu Hien