By Hieu Nhan
TVU – On March 25, 2025, the scientific symposium “Tra Vinh Province Place Names Through Different Periods – Cultural, Historical, and Humanitarian Values” was held at Hall E21.105 – Performance Practice Area of the College of Khmer Southern Language-Culture-Arts and Humanities (CLASKA) at Tra Vinh University. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tra Vinh Province, the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission of Tra Vinh Province, in collaboration with Tra Vinh University.
Attendees included Mr. Kien Soc Kha, Provincial Party Committee Member and Standing Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission of Tra Vinh Provincial Party Committee, and Mr. Cao Quoc Dung, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tra Vinh Province.
Representing Tra Vinh University were Professor Dr. Pham Tiet Khanh, Party Secretary and Chairman of the University Council; Dr. Thach Thi Dan, Vice Rector of the University; Dr. Ngo So Phe, Dean of the College of Khmer Southern Language-Culture-Arts and Humanities; along with department heads, researchers, experts, lecturers, doctoral students, and students from within and outside the province.
The symposium received nearly 50 papers and welcomed more than 120 delegates from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tra Vinh Province, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dong Thap Province, the Department of Ethnicity and Religion of Tra Vinh Province, various district and city Propaganda Commissions in Tra Vinh Province, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City), Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture, Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Cinema, Tien Giang University, Can Tho University, high schools, ethnic boarding schools within and outside Tra Vinh Province, and Tra Vinh University.
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Dr. Thach Thi Dan, Vice Rector of Tra Vinh University and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, stated: “The symposium aims to exchange and discuss, clarifying theoretical and practical issues regarding place names in the province through different periods, exploring interdisciplinary research on place names connected with language, culture, arts, and tourism. From there, we can find solutions to help preserve and promote the traditional cultural identity of Tra Vinh’s land and people.”
The symposium papers focused on three important aspects: place names in Tra Vinh Province through different periods; cultural, historical, and humanitarian values of Tra Vinh Province’s place names; and preservation and promotion of Tra Vinh Province’s place name values in the current context.
In his presentation, writer Tran Dung highlighted three main groups of place names: those associated with the land reclamation and village establishment process, reflecting the formation of residential units and socio-economic development from the 17th to 19th centuries; place names related to the uprising movement against French colonialism in the late 19th century, expressing patriotism and resistance against foreign domination; and place names connected with military achievements during the two resistance wars against France and America, reflecting the revolutionary tradition of Tra Vinh people.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Principal of Hieu Tu High School in Tieu Can, emphasized: “The names of communes and hamlets are deeply rooted in the hearts of people who settled in this land. Teaching about place names through Tra Vinh folk literature helps students understand the importance of preserving local cultural heritage.”
Additionally, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Mai from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities presented a paper on “Tra Vinh Region During the Nguyen Dynasty (First Half of the 19th Century).” In contrast, Master Doan Nhat Cuong, lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Cinema, presented “Ha Son’s Music Videos and Tra Vinh Cultural Space: The Impact of Cultural Industry on Viewers.” Master Thach Thi Ut Linh from Tra Vinh University presented “About the Place Name ‘Ba Se’ and Its Cultural and Historical Values,” providing additional perspectives on the positive cultural, social, and traditional values of Tra Vinh place names connected with the mission of developing the Tra Vinh homeland.
Professor Dr. Pham Tiet Khanh, Chairman of Tra Vinh University’s Council, Head of the Organizing Committee and Chair of the symposium, emphasized: “The symposium focuses on comprehensively analyzing the formation and transformation of the place name system in Tra Vinh Province through historical periods, thereby deeply exploring the cultural, historical, and humanitarian values of these place names. This important contribution clarifies the content, characteristics, and cultural, historical, and humanitarian significance of Tra Vinh Province’s place names, especially those associated with local historical figures. Furthermore, the symposium proposes integrating content about place names into teaching for students, promoting the value of Tra Vinh Province’s place names in connection with educating younger generations.”
Photos of the conference:
