Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups. Over the centuries, the ethnic communities have been united in building the country and fighting against enemies. Each ethnic group has its own unique customs and practices, creating diversity and richness for Vietnamese culture.
In the areas of Quang Nam, Da Nang, and Thua Thien Hue, there is a high concentration of Co Tu people. Like other ethnic groups, the Co Tu people also have their own unique cultural characteristics, the most typical of which is the “Hat ly noi ly” (singing and talking the arguments)
“Hat ly noi ly” is a popular cultural activity in the Co Tu community. According to Mr. Alang My, a Co Tu man living in Ta Lang village, Hoa Bac commune, “Hat ly noi ly” is considered a way to chat, or sometimes to compete between the elders in and outside the village, between the host and the guests. It is also a way to resolve conflicts in relationships between friends, family, and society. “Ly” here uses metaphorical and personification images, comparing one thing to another, so. “Hat ly noi ly” always stimulates the listener, helping the other person to understand the story deeply, thoroughly, and sincerely, and to empathize with each other. The artist must be an experienced person with a deep understanding of customs and practices, rivers and streams, trees, the habits of birds in the forest, and fish in the streams, … in order to find appropriate metaphors and comparisons. They also need to be able to improvise quickly and have a resonant voice. And after all, the purpose of “noi ly hat ly” is to create unity and mutual support.
However, like many other traditional arts, “noi ly hat ly” is also facing the danger of being lost. Gradually, only the village elders and older people in the area are still aware of this cultural feature. In the face of this danger, schools and the local authorities have been working with the village elders and artists to organize regular lý singing and talking sessions, with the aim of preserving and helping the younger generation of Co Tu people to have a deeper understanding of the beautiful features of their ethnic culture. The students are also very enthusiastic.
In 2015, “noi ly hat ly” of the Co Tu people was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism as a national intangible cultural heritage.
In the Gươl in Ta Lang village, by the light of the sacred fire, the “Ly” melodies are raised, echoing through the forest. Glasses are raised to celebrate the new harvest season, to talk about the stories of animals in the forest, stories of fields and gardens, … The young men and women in traditional costumes, when the sound of gongs and drums resounds, is also the time when the Tung Tung Za Zá dance (also known as the Gongs dance) begins. Sitting in the middle of the majestic mountains, witnessing the traditional beauty of the culture of my ethnic group, I silently thought that I need to do something so that in the future, the younger generation will still be able to see these beautiful features and be proud of their country with 54 ethnic groups.
