At the end of 2008, when the first Lai Pao Thai script class organized by the Culture and Information Department of Tuong Duong district concluded, we had the opportunity to learn about some characteristics of this script and wrote an article: "The Lai Pao Thai script in Tuong Duong: A chance for revival?" (Nghe An Weekend Newspaper, December 28th).(2008). After a year, we were truly surprised by the initial results of the project.
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The Lai Pao Thai script class in Nga My commune (Tuong Duong district) |
To date, Tuong Duong district has organized five Lai Pao Thai script classes with a total of over 200 students in the communes of Tam Thai, Yen Na, Yen Hoa, and Nga My. The first class, taught by Mr. Lo Van Thoai, aimed to train "key figures" to spread the script throughout the district. Although the class lasted only five days, the students diligently learned pronunciation, word formation, and writing. The textbooks from that time were quite thin, and the vocabulary was limited; now they are substantial, spanning over 50 A4 pages. Those students are now fulfilling their roles as "key figures," with many voluntarily teaching their children and fellow villagers. Notably, two outstanding "students" of Mr. Lo Van Thoai, Mr. Vi Kham Mun and Mr. Lo Kham Phi, are capable of contributing to the curriculum and teaching subsequent courses. Even more remarkably, the second generation of students, such as Mr. Mong Van Hoan, have also been teaching to popularize the Lai Pao Thai script. Recently, we had the opportunity to attend the opening ceremony of the Lai Pao Thai script class in Nga My commune (Tuong Duong district), taught by Mr. Vi Khan Mun and Mr. Mong Van Hoan. According to the regulations of the Department of Culture and Sports, each class has a maximum of 40 students, but in reality, about 80 people participate in each session. Although more tired, Mr. Mun and Mr. Hoan are still happy because the Thai people are always conscious of preserving their ethnic cultural identity. They also added that Ky Son and Con Cuong districts are currently considering opening several classes to popularize the Lai Pao Thai script in their areas. Students of all ages participate in the class. The course lasts for one month, so despite the busy end-of-year schedule, everyone still tries to arrange their time to attend regularly. Kieu Thi Chom (Na Ca village, Nga My commune) shared: "I heard that the Thai ethnic group still has a written language, and that a class is being organized in the commune, so I registered to participate so I can teach the children and contribute a small part to preserving and promoting the ethnic group's cultural identity."In a conversation with Mr. Luong Ba Vin, Head of the Culture and Sports Department of Tuong Duong district, he stated that the district will continue to open classes to popularize the Lai Pao Thai script in the communes in the coming time. However, the biggest difficulty remains the funding for training instructors and printing materials for students... Therefore, the district hopes to receive financial support from relevant levels and sectors.
Cong Kien
