As an East Asian country bordering the Western Pacific Ocean, Vietnam possesses a long coastline and vast maritime space. For thousands of years, the sea has been a habitat, a space for survival, a rich resource area, and a gateway for economic and cultural exchange in Vietnam. Vietnamese maritime communities have early on integrated a diverse and rich knowledge base about the sea.
Vietnam's maritime knowledge system has been clearly demonstrated in ancient cultures, from the Dong Son culture in the North to the Sa Huynh-Champa culture (Central Vietnam) and the Oc Eo-Funan culture in the Mekong Delta. Throughout history, coastal communities have created, inherited, and developed maritime knowledge resources to sustain their lives, develop socio-economic and cultural aspects, and expand relations and diplomacy. However, to date, research on this maritime knowledge system remains quite limited and has not been systematized. Furthermore, many values within the nation's maritime knowledge system have not been preserved and are increasingly being lost. Given the social and natural factors at play, comprehensive research on this maritime knowledge system is urgently needed to propose solutions for its preservation and promotion. With that goal and significance in mind, the Strong Research Group: Asian Maritime and Trade Studies of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is organizing a scientific conference with the theme:
"Vietnam's maritime cultural knowledge system: Heritage and value promotion."
1. Content of the workshop:The workshop focused on discussing the following topics and content:
- An overview of maritime cultural knowledge systems; the spatial distribution, characteristics, and value of Vietnam's maritime knowledge systems.
- The knowledge systems of coastal communities and of certain historical figures and cultural icons; the factors and conditions for their formation; and the role and influence of maritime knowledge systems on cultural life and socio-economic activities.
- Maritime knowledge in various fields: Understanding of marine spaces, characteristics of natural conditions, monsoon regimes, ocean currents; knowledge of marine resources, fishing grounds, maritime trade routes, economic activities, and maritime livelihoods; knowledge of shipbuilding techniques and other maritime vessels; knowledge of protecting maritime sovereignty and security, and marine economic resources; maritime knowledge expressed in festivals, cultural activities, and the spiritual life of coastal communities; knowledge of maritime rescue and the ability to recognize and prevent unusual disasters in the sea and the natural world, etc.
- Propose recommendations and solutions for preserving and promoting the value of Vietnam's maritime cultural knowledge system.
2. Time and location of the event- Time: 8:00 AM, December 19, 2024.
- Location: Room 304, Building E, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 336 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.
The Organizing Committee cordially invites scientists, managers, lecturers, postgraduate students, and doctoral candidates interested in attending the Conference.
