Launching the series of seminars "New Research on Japan and Asia" 2016

This series of seminars provides a platform for young researchers to present their findings and exchange expertise with scientists from within and outside the university, thereby enhancing their research capabilities. This activity is sponsored by the Toshiba Foundation (Japan).

At the seminar, delegates heard two scientific reports: "The Korean Community in Hanoi from the Perspective of Social Space Construction" by Ms. Nguyen Thuy Giang and "Confucian Ethical Norms for Women - A Case Study of Empress Tu's Inner Teachings and Nguyen Trai's Family Teachings" by PhD Candidate Nguyen Anh Tuan.

Overview of the seminar

The report by author Nguyen Thuy Giang adopts an approach to the Korean community in Hanoi from the perspective of Henri Lefebvre's Social Space Construction theory. The author assumes that, despite their relatively recent presence in Hanoi, the Korean community has already constructed their own social space, which can be identified from three dimensions: material, social, and spiritual. This theoretical approach guides the author's research on the Korean community in Hanoi.

Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim - Vice Rector of the University, chaired the seminar.

Ms. Nguyen Thuy Giang, M.Sc., presented the report.

Author Nguyen Anh Tuan's report argues that research on Confucian thought regarding women has long been limited to certain phrases such as "three obediences and four virtues," "a woman's duty is obedience," and "male superiority over women." While these concepts reflect some aspects of Confucian thought on women, they are still insufficient for a comprehensive understanding of Confucian moral concepts and norms concerning this group. Therefore, the author has delved into a group of ancient texts considered "scriptures" that teach women moral norms and conduct in self-cultivation and social interaction, aiming to clarify and build a more complete picture of the status of women in ancient Confucian society. The author focuses on analyzing the contents of two works: "Inner Teachings" by Empress Từ, as one of the "Four Books for Women," and "Family Teachings" by Nguyễn Trãi, to clarify the Confucian moral norms for women in China and Vietnam during the medieval period.

NCS Nguyen Anh Tuan

The two reports by the two young researchers received much feedback and comments from their senior teachers.