https://science.thanglong.edu.vn/index.php/volb/issue/feed Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage 2025-01-20T02:33:49+00:00 Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage tapchikh@thanglong.edu.vn Open Journal Systems <p>About Van hien and Heritage (Vol. B), published in English language.</p> https://science.thanglong.edu.vn/index.php/volb/article/view/209 Building the symbol field of Đồng Tháp lotus flower 2024-11-25T09:15:36+00:00 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngoc Tho Nguyen nntho@vnuilead.edu.vn The lotus flower is essentially a natural gift to people from different cultures, from East to West, from ancient times to modern times. Lotus flowers have the property of living in muddy and watery environments, rising strongly and blooming purely in the sun, and thus forming a symbol of many beautiful and noble emotions. In Vietnam, there is no place like the lowlands of Đồng Tháp (the Đồng Tháp Mười Basin) that fully integrates the basic elements of nature, humanities and culture, adapts and harmonizes to each other to form a lotus symbol field. This paper uses Louis Hjelmslev’s (1899-1965) concept of "logistics" in symbolic interpretation, combined with the three pillars of value proposed by UNESCO for heritage in contemporary life, to discuss ecological and human resources through comparative relevance to related cultures and to construct the symbolic field of the lotus flower in Đồng Tháp province. Therefore, the lotus symbol of Đồng Tháp is a unique product of the flood-prone basin of Đồng Tháp Mười (Đồng Tháp Province), with a historical and cultural heritage of nearly two thousand years, and is closely related to the local culture and social background. This study proposes four basic values ​​in the lotus symbolic domain of Đồng Tháp: harmony, beauty, purity, and blessings. 2024-12-27T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage https://science.thanglong.edu.vn/index.php/volb/article/view/218 Revisiting the Debate: “Indianization” in Southeast Asian History 2024-12-31T07:44:37+00:00 PhD Truong Giang Do giangiseas@gmail.com PhD Thu Nga Cao caonga@hcmussh.edu.vn The Indianization of Southeast Asia is a pivotal topic in the study of the region&#39;s ancient history, marked by considerable scholarly debate. Since the early twentieth century, researchers have been deeply engrossed in this subject, initially forming varied perspectives. Evidence such as Hindu temples, the widespread distribution of Sanskrit inscriptions, and mythological narratives of Indian origin have led scholars to propose an Indianization phase in Southeast Asian history. During the early twentieth century, when much of the Far East was under colonial rule, Western perceptions often framed Southeast Asia as having been culturally and politically influenced by India, seen through the lens of colonialism and the dominance of Indian dynasties. However, this viewpoint has evolved significantly with the emergence of new historical findings and perspectives, particularly following World War II and the subsequent independence movements in Southeast Asia. As these nations gained autonomy and established their own identities, scholarly inquiry into their histories underwent a reevaluation, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the processes of cultural interaction and development in the region. 2024-12-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage https://science.thanglong.edu.vn/index.php/volb/article/view/221 The art of decoration screen in Vietnam: Similarities and differences with East Asian countries 2025-01-05T04:06:37+00:00 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Anh Dang maianhmtcn.sdh@gmail.com As a unique art form that has existed for quite a long time in Vietnam, the screen originated in China through exchanges with East Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. The screen represents a beauty of the culture of East Asian countries in general, of Vietnamese traditions in particular. Used quite commonly in our country's social life in architecture, the initial appearance of the screen may be closely related to the art of feng shui, but when it is socialized, the screen becomes a product. The product has both practical meaning and spiritual value. Types of interior screens (interior projects) and exterior screens (foreign case/external projects) are important components in architectural space design and display decoration. Sticking with social life, along with material and spiritual activities, and the ups and downs of people in society. Through documents and fieldwork, research on the decoration of Vietnamese screens in the context of East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea shows that decorative forms have similarities and differences. Specific - Through decorations, it is possible to recognize aspects of social life such as living habits, feng shui conceptions, spiritual life, issues of culture and custom... and also partly imprints of art through the ages. From a modern perspective, the screen is still used to decorate the interior and exterior spaces of significant architectural works such as communal houses, temples, pagodas, hotels, offices,... private residences, garden houses, family churches, tombs, houses... and along with many new decorative forms of the screen, also left cultural imprints of each country and period in each country - every country in East Asia. 2025-01-09T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage https://science.thanglong.edu.vn/index.php/volb/article/view/214 Books written on leaves international experiences and recommendations for the conservation and promotion of the palm-leaf manuscript heritage in An Giang province, Vietnam 2025-01-20T02:33:49+00:00 PhD Huy Ngoc Chau ngoc.h.chau@hcmussh.edu.vn Minh Tho Duong Duc Thang Nguyen Palm-leaf manuscripts are significant heritage artifacts of South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures, including the Khmer community in the South. The recognition of the "Knowledge and techniques of writing on palm leaves of the Khmer people" from Tri Tôn and Tịnh Biên districts in An Giang province as part of Vietnam’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage underscores their cultural importance. Despite this recognition, the preservation and promotion of palm-leaf scriptures remain challenging due to various factors. This article examines global studies on the preservation and enhancement of palm-leaf manuscripts to glean international insights. Based on these findings, the article offers recommendations to improve the preservation and promotion of these manuscripts in Tịnh Biên and Tri Tôn districts, An Giang province. Copyright (c) 2025 Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage https://science.thanglong.edu.vn/index.php/volb/article/view/224 The Buddhist Cultural Space of Western Yên Tử 2025-01-13T06:17:57+00:00 Assoc. Prof. PhD. Le Bao Tran tranlebaohn@gmail.com This study explores how the Buddhist cultural space of Tây Yên Tử in Bac Giang Province, Vietnam, embodies the philosophies and teachings of the Trúc Lâm and Lâm Tế Zen traditions. Drawing on archival research, ethnographic fieldwork, and textual analysis, the article investigates the interplay between tangible expressions of Zen culture—such as temples, shrines, hermitages, stupas, and ornamental plants—and the intangible facets of religious life, including annual festivals, meditation practices, and community rituals. The findings demonstrate that site selection, architectural design, and social activities in Tây Yên Tử intertwine Zen principles with the local environment and communal identity, thus creating a dynamic cultural landscape that supports both spiritual cultivation and social cohesion. Moreover, these Zen traditions have permeated the region’s collective religious consciousness, as evidenced by ongoing festivals and communal celebrations that reinforce shared faith and cultural identity. The study concludes by emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding Tây Yên Tử’s cultural and spiritual heritage amid contemporary challenges—such as increased tourism and globalization—thus underscoring the vital role of this unique Buddhist space in preserving Vietnam’s rich religious and cultural legacy. Copyright (c) 2025 Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage https://science.thanglong.edu.vn/index.php/volb/article/view/213 Review article: A Maritime Vietnam From Earliest Times to the Nineteenth Century (2024) by Li Tana 2024-12-26T09:53:54+00:00 Thùy-Lan Đỗ landtt@ussh.edu.vn A Maritime Vietnam From Earliest Times to the Nineteenth Century (2024) is a systematic summary of almost all the achievements of more than 40 years of research on Vietnam by the scholar. The great work has led to a comprehensive, complete and convincing overview of maritime Vietnam. Li Tana not only brings new perceptions about Vietnam, but from the maritime approach, the author also effectively and correctly supplements the general history of Vietnam in the Pre-Modern period. 2024-12-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage https://science.thanglong.edu.vn/index.php/volb/article/view/210 From Regional Identity to National Designation: Gia Long and the Naming of Việt Nam 2024-12-20T09:52:49+00:00 Dr. Trần Thị Xuân xuansino@gmail.com This article provides a comprehensive examination of the naming of Việt Nam during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1804, the Nguyễn dynasty (1802–1945) adopted Việt Nam as the state name, not through international law or any formal legal framework, but as a result of conventions and negotiations between Nguyễn Vietnam and Qing China. This study delves into the complex implications of state names within traditional Vietnam and China. It investigates the motivations behind the Nguyễn's initial proposal to adopt the name Nam Việt, and their rejection of the name An Nam. It also explores the reasons for the Qing's refusal to grant the Nguyễn domain the name Nam Việt and its preference for An Nam. It also provides how the Qing and the Nguyễn interpreted the name Việt Nam as they compromised on this name. The findings illustrate how state names reflected a dynasty’s political identity, encompassing its geographical roots, territorial expansions, and claims to legitimacy. 2024-12-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage https://science.thanglong.edu.vn/index.php/volb/article/view/220 Phạm Huy Thông: Considerations on language policy 2025-01-08T14:12:10+00:00 Thi Minh Tran ttminhvs@gmail.com Prof. Dr. Huy Dung Pham phamhuydung@thanglong.edu.vn This study explores Phạm Huy Thông's perspectives on language policy through selected manuscripts and speeches archived in the National Archives Center III. From the collection, 11 key documents on linguistic issues were chosen to highlight his contributions. These writings reflect his dedication to pressing concerns such as language standardization, bilingualism, and foreign language education - topics that remain central in contemporary linguistic discourse. Phạm Huy Thông emphasized the urgent need for the standardization of Vietnamese in alignment with the nation's educational reforms, advocating collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, and schools. Notable initiatives included addressing orthographic and terminological standardization, producing a Vietnamese Grammar and Vietnamese Dictionary, and promoting the Latinization of minority languages to ensure their preservation alongside national language development. In his writings, he proposed scientific and balanced approaches, valuing diverse methods and sources. He outlined the essential principles for scientific terminology - accuracy, systematic organization, national identity, and public accessibility. These ideas demonstrated his recognition of language as a dynamic entity, evolving under societal influences while retaining cultural heritage. Phạm Huy Thông also explored the aesthetic dimensions of language, the historical significance of Nom script, and the importance of fostering linguistic diversity. His advocacy extended to foreign language education, emphasizing its role in global integration and scientific progress. The study shows his systematic and inclusive approach, calling for gradual and deliberate implementation of language policies. His insights align with ongoing challenges in balancing language preservation, modernization, and societal needs. Future research is needed to fully understand the impact and development of his proposals within Vietnam’s linguistic policy framework. 2025-01-09T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Thang Long Journal of Science: Van hien and Heritage