Vietnamese Culture and Tradition During the 1,000 years of Chinese rule over what is now northern Việt Nam, chữ Hán (classical Han Chinese, also known as chữ nho) became firmly established as the language of the Vietnamese royal court and would remain so until as late as 1918 when the ancient system of mandarin examinations was finally abolished.
Educational System Influence
The prevalence of chữ Hán as the language of the Vietnamese royal court deeply influenced the educational system of the time. Students aspiring for bureaucratic roles underwent rigorous training in classical Chinese literature and writing, mastering chữ Hán as a prerequisite for government positions.
Literary Flourishing
The 13th and 14th centuries marked a golden age for Vietnamese literature written in chữ Hán. Apart from courtly poems, notable literary figures like Lê Quát, Mạc Đỉnh Chi, Trương Hán Siêu, Chu Văn An, and Nguyễn Trung Ngạn contributed significantly to the literary landscape with their works. Their compositions ranged from poetry to historical accounts, enriching the cultural and intellectual fabric of Vietnamese society.
Cultural Exchange
The use of chữ Hán facilitated cultural exchange between Vietnam and its neighbors, particularly China. Literary works, philosophical texts, and administrative documents were exchanged, fostering mutual understanding and influencing artistic and intellectual developments in both regions.
Religious Influence
Buddhism, which arrived in Vietnam from China, played a pivotal role in the adoption and development of chữ Hán. Buddhist monks were among the earliest adopters of chữ Hán for literary expression, as evidenced by the 11th-century poems. The Buddhist influence on Vietnamese culture and literature continued to evolve over the centuries, leaving a lasting imprint on chữ Hán literature.
Historical Documentation
In addition to poetry and literary works, chữ Hán was instrumental in documenting Vietnam’s history and geography. Lê Văn Hưu’s Đại Việt Sử Ký stands as a significant historical chronicle of the period, providing invaluable insights into the political, social, and cultural landscape of medieval Vietnam.
Scholarly Pursuits
Confucian scholars played a crucial role in shaping Vietnamese society through their scholarly pursuits in chữ Hán. Their writings not only adorned the royal court but also influenced governance, ethics, and social norms. The enduring legacy of Confucianism in Vietnamese culture owes much to the dissemination of its teachings through chữ Hán literature.
Administrative Language
Beyond its cultural and literary significance, chữ Hán served as the language of administration and governance in Vietnam. Official documents, laws, and decrees were written in chữ Hán, underscoring its importance as the language of authority and power.
Decline and Transformation
Despite its long-standing dominance, the use of chữ Hán gradually declined over time. The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed efforts to modernize Vietnamese script and promote vernacular literacy, leading to the eventual demise of chữ Hán as the primary written language.
Legacy and Revival
Although chữ Hán ceased to be the dominant script, its legacy endures in modern Vietnamese culture. Many classical literary works written in chữ Hán continue to be studied and appreciated today, serving as a bridge to Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, efforts to revive interest in chữ Hán as a scholarly pursuit and cultural artifact persist, reflecting a deep appreciation for its historical significance.
