Preserving the “Soul of Ancient Characters” in Tho Tang

Amidst the vibrant rhythm of Tho Tang—one of the bustling trading hubs of Phu Tho Province—there remains a serene space where inkstones, calligraphy brushes, and nostalgic souls are dedicatedly learning the Nom script (Vietnamese demotic characters).

A Nom script class session.

A Special Classroom Amidst Modern Life

Within the ancient walls of the Truc Lâm Shrine, the Nom script class regularly takes place every Monday and Thursday morning. Free from electronic boards or modern devices, the classroom features only old notebooks, calligraphy brushes, and the sound of slow spelling echoing through the quiet air. Yet, it is this very place that preserves a piece of the nation’s cultural soul amidst the frantic pace of modern life.

For nearly two years, rain or shine, club members have maintained their regular studies. Most of the learners are in the twilight of their lives, their hair turned silver, but their eyes still shine with passion as they carefully brush each stroke. For them, learning the Nom script is not just to sharpen memory and keep the mind agile, but also a way to safeguard cultural roots for future generations.

Mr. Vu Van Mam (right) practices writing characters during class.

Carefully perfecting a difficult stroke, Mr. Vu Van Mam, an 83-year-old club member, shared: "I joined the class to comprehend the characters left behind by our ancestors. The Nom script is not merely letters; it embodies history and our national cultural roots. Despite our old age, everyone strives to attend fully, because this is both a source of joy and a responsibility toward tradition.”

At this stage of life, attending class is not just about studying characters; it is also an opportunity to meet, converse, and share life’s joys. Consequently, the sessions are always warm, intimate, and filled with a sense of community bonding.

Tho Tang is a land rich in history, boasting an array of communal houses, temples, shrines, and pagodas, alongside numerous ancient royal certificates of honor (sắc phong), steles, horizontal lacquered boards, and parallel sentences. This rich heritage has driven many to the classroom to decipher and understand the cultural values left by their forefathers.

Mr. Vu Van Hau, another club member, remarked: "Connecting with the culture of the ancients makes my soul feel lighter and more at peace. I hope to pass this knowledge down to my children and grandchildren so they can appreciate our family and homeland traditions even more.”

This inherent need to “decode” cultural values right within daily life has become the driving force bringing many to the class. From their very first strokes, they gradually gain access to the treasury of knowledge left by earlier generations.

Voluntary Spirit and Deep Dedication

With no professional teachers, remuneration, or financial subsidies, the class is sustained entirely on a voluntary basis. Those who know more teach those who know less, and senior learners guide the newcomers. This dedication and sharing have created a unique learning environment—rustic yet filled with enthusiasm and efficiency.

Mr. Vu Van Cuu is one of the members standing at the podium to transmit the Nom script in Tho Tang.

Mr. Vu Van Cuu, one of those who has been with the class since its inception and currently stands at the podium to teach, shared: "In the beginning, everyone was bewildered because we had to learn from the alphabet up, with 214 radicals, just like children practicing the national Romanized script. Only then did we learn character compounding, reading the definitions, and understanding the content. The greatest happiness is when looking at the large horizontal boards and parallel sentences in the village communal house, we can understand the messages our ancestors sent down to us."

The curriculum is structured from basic to advanced levels. Learners do not just write; they learn to read, comprehend meanings, and compose sentences and paragraphs. Some members even practice calligraphy, turning ancient characters into artworks of deep artistic and traditional value.

Going beyond mere character learning, the club also researches and translates ancient texts associated with local history, such as royal certificates, family genealogies, and stone steles, helping local residents better understand their roots and homeland traditions.

Club members engage in discussion after class hours.

The initiator who maintains the club’s activities is Mr. Do Van Trai, the Club Chairman. Reflecting on the journey of founding the class, Mr. Trai said: "I was always concerned seeing the Nom script gradually fade over time. This is a priceless cultural treasure of our nation that must be preserved. Fortunately, upon establishing the class, we received enthusiastic responses from the villagers, proving that love for traditional culture is always alive."

From characters that seemed to have receded into the past, the club members are kindling the flame of passion day by day, preserving the cultural memory of their rural village. From these simple ink strokes today, the values of the ancestors will continue to spread and endure through the flow of time.

Ha Giang