Over 500 years ago, Đường luật poetry made its appearance in Cao Bằng, Vietnam, marking a vivid chapter of cultural evolution and assimilation. This poetic form, steeped in the richness of human experience, became not just a significant mode of artistic expression but also served as a bridge connecting diverse ethnic traditions, most prominently within the Tày and Nùng communities.
The emergence of Đường luật poetry heralded not just the adoption of cultural treasures but also the thriving process of Vietnamizing them, aimed at enriching the nation's literary palette. The poetic creations—often penned in multiple languages, including both Vietnamese and various dialects—formulate a particularly unique linguistic characteristic. Cao Bằng’s Đường luật is not merely poetry; it's a cultural artifact expressing the joys, woes, and wisdom of communities, encapsulated beautifully through varied linguistic forms.
Despite its historical significance, current trends pose severe threats to the survival of Đường luật poetry. With advancing years and shifting societal values, many young people today appear detached from their cultural roots. The passion for traditional forms like Đường luật could soon fade if not addressed. It was noted, "If we conduct a quick quiz with questions for today's youth: What is Đường luật poetry? Where does it come from?... Surely more than 90% of them would not be able to answer." This alarming statistic reflects the growing disconnect between the generations.
The problem extends beyond mere awareness. Young individuals, occupied by practical pursuits and modernity, have increasingly prioritized their attention toward direct political and economic benefits, often neglecting the rich legacy of lyrical poetry from earlier times. The vibrant verses, once easy to memorize and recite, have begun to languish, making them almost unrecognizable to today’s children. Further compounding the crisis, the number of individuals capable of composing Đường luật poetry—whether in Vietnamese or various ethnic dialects—is on the decline, threatening to shroud this inheritance under layers of forgetfulness.
Authorities and cultural advocates have recognized the urgent need for intervention. To secure the future of Đường luật, efforts to safeguard and promote this poetic treasure have turned imperative. These suggestions include gathering documentation about the poetry still thriving within ethnic communities and studying its inherent value. Planned initiatives involve hosting poetry composition contests, offering training sessions on writing Đường luật, and actively engaging schools to make students more aware of its importance.
One of the specific actions proposed is to organize competitions where participants can showcase their prowess not only in Vietnamese but also utilize the Tày dialect. Such events don't merely spotlight talented individuals but invigorate communal spirit, compelling broader participation and appreciation for the art form's intrinsic value. This provides avenues for learning and growth, bridging the generation gap and reviving interest among kids.
The wider efforts include systematic and consistent advocacy for Đường luật poetry's rich heritage, aiming to stimulate greater investment from communities and educational frameworks. Aiming to re-instill the pride communities held decades ago, these initiatives uphold the belief: "The preservation and promotion of Đường luật poetry, both in Vietnamese and Tày and Nùng, hold significant meaning." Through this holistic approach, one not only preserves culture but ensures the continuation of narratives pivotal to the identity of the people.
Efforts to revive traditional poetry are necessary not only for keeping cultural heritage alive but also for nurturing creativity, emotional expression, and the aesthetics of residing within limitations and boundaries. Indeed, within the structured form of Đường luật lies the potential to convey diverse emotional universes— this poetry serves as much more than mere stiff verses. It is, after all, part of the heartbeat of Cao Bằng, a vibrant expression of cultural identity and continuity.
The call to action is clear; engaging youth and offering them tangible pathways to rediscover and dynamically participate with their cultural legacies is fundamental. Such endeavors illuminate the desire to treasure the beauty and wisdom embedded within the timeless verses, sustaining the potential for connection through generations yet to come.
