University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi

Scholar Phan Ngoc, born in 1925 in Tinh Gia, Thanh Hoa (originally from Nhan Thanh commune, Yen Thanh district, Nghe An province), former Head of the Linguistics Department, Faculty of Literature, Hanoi University (now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities), passed away at 8:50 PM on August 26, 2020, corresponding to the 8th day of the 7th lunar month of the Year of the Rat, due to old age and declining health. He is considered the last polymath of the generation of Vietnamese intellectuals who combined both Eastern and Western cultures. The online portal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities respectfully presents an article by Dr. Duong Xuan Quang (Faculty of Linguistics, University of Social Sciences and Humanities) about him.

“The most serene and tranquil Ms. Chau” is an affirmation of the unique number one position that “senior figure” Nguyen Tai Can bestowed upon his close female colleague. Somewhere within, we find the wit in her double-layered wordplay and the subtlety of a discerning eye. The imagery, strongly reminiscent of Tang Dynasty poetry, evokes the solitude of a boat adrift amidst vast waves. It seems that throughout the life of this first female professor of linguistics in Vietnam, she rarely had the opportunity to fully express herself. She lived quietly, contemplated quietly, and contributed quietly. But didn't Goethe once observe: “Character is forged in storms, but intellect is formed in tranquility”? Perhaps it is precisely because of these quiet moments that Professor Hoang Thi Chau has gifted the academic world and life with valuable academic works in five areas of research that she has pondered and reflected upon for over 50 years.

Born into a farming family in the hilly, midland region of Phu Tho province, the desire to become a "plant grower" was the most important asset for Han Van Khan as he entered university. However, his early fascination with antiques led him to be assigned to the profession of "nurturing people" and become involved in archaeology. And then, this noble profession intertwined with him and shaped his character, not only through the title of People's Teacher bestowed by the State, but more importantly, through the teacher-student relationship that generations of students will cherish.

Indeed, few people are as accomplished as Professor Pham Tat Dong, a scientist, educator, and administrator, while also consistently and enthusiastically participating in social and political work, earning such high praise. His name has been familiar and close to the teachers and students of both the Sociology and Psychology departments for many years.

Mr. Nguyen Van Kim was born in Thanh Hoa city, but in his memories and recollections, he always thinks of the coastal region of Thach Ha (Ha Tinh) and the culturally rich areas of Dinh Ca and Noi Due (Bac Ninh). The influence of cultural traditions, the historical depth of these regions, and the waters of the Lam, Cau, and Ma rivers... have nurtured and forged the qualities of a person and a teacher. Growing up in a family where his father and many siblings served in the army, amidst the ravages of war, he was evacuated to various rural areas from a young age to live and study. His love, discipline, perseverance, and self-reliance in the face of difficult circumstances were all formed from this experience.

In the Literature Department of the University at that time, it wasn't until my second year, in 1971, that I had the opportunity to study under Professor Nguyen Loc. My strongest impression of him was his lively, warm, and kind voice; his cheerful face with a radiant smile; and his intelligent eyes. His Quang Ngai accent, after many years of traveling, was easier to understand than the Quang Nam accent of Professor Le Dinh Ky. His lectures were captivating and powerful. I must say that Professor Loc's speeches and literature lectures were very persuasive and engaging. Later, having the opportunity to visit his home frequently, I learned that he was often invited by various agencies and localities to give talks on literature, sometimes for the Hanoi City Trade Union, sometimes for the Ha Nam Ninh Department of Culture, and sometimes for the Thai Binh Department of Culture. Sometimes, he even brought local gifts, sometimes a pair of chickens to take back to Hanoi. Looking back, everything back then seemed so simple and beautiful.

For many years, Professor Le Thi Quy has been known to the community as a scientist actively fighting for gender equality, especially in supporting women who are victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. She laid the foundation for models to prevent domestic violence in many localities; she was the first to raise awareness about research in the field of preventing cross-border trafficking of women and children; and, together with the Institute for Youth Research, established models to support returning female victims in Lang Son, Quang Ninh, and Hai Duong provinces from 1997 to 2000.

To his students, Professor Bui Khanh The was a passionate and highly responsible individual. He often diligently guided his students in addressing their shortcomings and encouraged their enthusiasm for scientific research. Therefore, even though we didn't have many hours of instruction from him during our student years, his presence left a profound impression on us. One of his most outstanding qualities, worthy of emulation by future generations, was his spirit of self-study and self-reliance in all circumstances, enabling him to become a scientist with strong professional competence and broad and deep expertise. He truly is a shining example embodying the spirit of "hard work leads to success."

Many years have passed, and that teacher no longer regularly stands on the podium, nor shoulders the responsibilities of Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council or Secretary of the Faculty Party Branch. Yet, his image remains etched in the memories of the generations of students he once taught. That teacher is Professor Vuong Dinh Quyen – the man who laid the first bricks in building the foundation of the Archival Studies and Office Management department.

To me, Nguyen Lai was not only a scientist but also a man with a rich literary soul. It was thanks to this literary spirit that, in his daily life as well as in his research (his specialized field of linguistics, which is inherently dry), Nguyen Lai always displayed a gentle and poetic demeanor and writing style.

Writing about my beloved teacher is difficult because, with so many things to share and express my gratitude for, I don't know where or how to begin. Having been with her for nearly 10 years, I've progressed from admiration and affection to a conscious and unconscious immersion in many aspects of her life and work that she revealed through her daily stories.

Professor Tran Tri Doi was born and raised in Quang Tien commune, Quang Xuong district (now part of Sam Son town), Thanh Hoa province. He often laughs heartily and admits that he comes from a family that was half farmer, half fisherman, so his temperament is straightforward, he doesn't know how to "choose his words carefully to please others," and he often jokes around, which doesn't endear him to many people. But from his appearance to his somewhat rebellious and free-spirited demeanor, a passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to scientific research shines through. When I learned about Professor Tran Tri Doi, I felt that he was a lone traveler, yet not alone, on his fieldwork, exploring the origins of the linguistic and cultural history of the Vietnamese people.

In terms of scientific activity, Associate Professor Bui Thanh Quat's research topics are very rich and diverse. He pays attention to many different issues in the social sciences and humanities. The main areas of expertise that Associate Professor Bui Thanh Quat dedicates himself to can be summarized in four main groups: Logic and methodology, Political science and political philosophy, History of philosophy, and issues of Philosophy of Culture.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Kim Son was born in 1966 in Hai Phong. He left high school with clear career plans, but his time at university kept him grounded. His passion for scientific research began during his student years in the Sino-Vietnamese Studies department at the Faculty of Literature, Hanoi University, from 1985 to 1990. In his final year (1990), he was awarded first prize in the first student scientific research competition organized by the Ministry of Education and Training. That same year, he graduated with honors and was accepted into postgraduate studies, simultaneously beginning his teaching career at the Sino-Vietnamese Studies Department, Faculty of Literature (now the Faculty of Literature, University of Social Sciences and Humanities).

As one of the fortunate generations of students who had the opportunity to study and work with Professor Nguyen Huu Thu, we understand that for him, effort and dedication in life are never enough. The prestigious title of Professor of Psychology bestowed upon him by the State is a fitting honor and recognition of his valuable contributions to the development of psychology.