The “arbitrators” in traditional society
In the past, the ethnic minorities of the Central Highlands lived in closed communities, with the highest social unit being the village. The village was an entity governed by the village chief and the council of elders — grouping the most capable and skilled individuals. The council manages all village activities through customary laws, experiences, skills, and their wisdom.
The village chief and his wise council held the balance of power through customary law. These “arbitrators” were chosen by the community out of respect and admiration.
Each village chief is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience, embodying the noble essence of talented individuals from various tribes. They are those who can interpret dreams, represent villagers in dialogues with deities, and seek protection from Yang (God).
In their daily actions and behaviours, they chose appropriate options to serve community interests. In external affairs, the village chief represented the village's message to the outside community.
In ancient times, both major and minor matters in the village were decided by the village chief. His voice was not singular but held the highest value within the community. Thus, in traditional Central Highlands society, village chiefs were seen as wise figures.
Alongside these chiefs, intellectuals and artisans also contributed to managing village affairs. I have met many such individuals in recent times, including Ya Duck and Ya Loan (Chu Ru ethnic group); K'Diep and K'Tieu (K'ho ethnic group); K'Noi and K'Brinh (Ma ethnic group); Chamale Âu (Raglai ethnic group); Ywan R'tung (Mnong ethnic group); and Dieu Len (Xtieng ethnic group).
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and village elders and chiefs, skilled artisans and reputable citizens (Photo: VNA) |
Their wisdom comes partly from education but primarily from a foundation built on forest philosophy. The mysterious space of the vast forests has influenced the thoughts and temperaments of those living in wilderness. In that survival space, these tribes have created systems of values and knowledge that contribute to a rich culture full of allure. Their wisdom serves as a solid foundation for today's young intellectuals in the Central Highlands to inherit and confidently integrate into modern life.
Younger generation of intellectuals in the Central Highlands
During the wartime, a generation of intellectuals from the Central Highlands promoted traditions and wisdom from their ancestors while dedicating their lives to their homeland by participating directly in the national struggles.
Many became renowned in their fields, remembered by colleagues and communities alike. Notable figures include teacher Nay Der (Gia Rai ethnic group), Doctor Y Ngong Nie Kdam (E De ethnic group), Doctor Tou Prong Hiu (Chu Ru ethnic group), and artists such as Xu Man, Y Brom, H'Ben, Y Zon, Ro Cham Pheng, Mang Thi Hoi, and Kim Nhat.
Traditions passed down from grandparents have nurtured a new generation of successors. A prominent figure among this new generation is People's Artist Y Moan, whose voice still resonates through the vast forests even after his passing; researchers like Linh Nga Nie Kdam, Dieu Cau, Krajan Plin, and Krajan Dick, who tirelessly delve into tribal cultures; and musicians like Y Phon K’Sor, whose songs are created from his heart.
To assert themselves, young people in the Central Highlands have had to overcome numerous obstacles. For instance, orphan K’Lao from K'ho ethnic group is now an ethnic affairs officer; Xo Teng ethnic researcher Y Trung (alias Pham Thi Trung), who stunned ethnologists with her outstanding master's thesis on rituals related to her ethnic’s rituals; Ka Cham, Y Pot, and Rolan Ka Lieng, who are running businesses focusing on promoting local specialties; Chu Ru ethnic literature teacher Ma Hieng; and young K'ho ethnic designer K’Jona.
When I first arrived in the Central Highlands, I was amazed by the K'ho community in Ka Ming Village (Gung Re Commune, Di Linh District, Lan Dong Province). The village has over 50 households yet boasts around 60 graduates or current students at colleges or universities.
I also visited Lat Commune (Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province) and learned that many residents are fluent in two foreign languages (English and French); many of their children are studying at universities both domestically and abroad.
Virtually every ethnic minority region in the Central Highlands showcases remarkable examples of education that affirm mastery over knowledge and technology while successfully establishing careers.
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Teacher Cil Duin — the first PhD holder from the K'ho ethnic group. |
I want to highlight an exemplary young scholar from Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province): teacher Cil Duin — the first PhD holder from the K'ho ethnic group.
Duin's journey in pursuit of knowledge has inspired many young people in his community. In 2015, after three years studying at Beijing Normal University (China), he became the first K'ho individual to earn a PhD in Management Studies.
Upon returning hometown, he continued his teaching career and was entrusted with responsibilities as Deputy Head of Education and Training Department of Lac Duong District.
The society of ancient Central Highlands was built upon life sheltered under forest canopies. The forest served as both a survival space and cultural space; it also created a psychological mechanism that was safe yet somewhat conservative.
Today’s Central Highlanders differ significantly due to strong movements of the national development, requesting them to adapt themselves so that they would not remain distant or detached from overall progress.
Modernisation is inevitable. In this transformation process, the inhabitants must stand firm with cultural resilience against opposing influences. They possess all the necessary qualities to confront challenges while finding suitable ways to adapt to changes.
