Do-It-Yourself

Here are some things to think about:

Who is in your own gallery of valued cultural treasures?

From who have you learned? (And what?)

What do you value and want to pass on?

Where have you taken a stand?

Questions to ask:

  • Can you tell us about where and how you grew up?
  • How did you became an artist or activist?
  • What are the most important things you have learned in your life?
  • What were some of the challenges you have faced?
  • What words of wisdom, or important lessons, do you want to pass on?
  • Who were your most important teachers or influences?
  • When did you take a stand?
  • Tell us the story of a song, story, dance or event/time that you will never forget, or that is important to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artists, Activists, & Elders

photo of Ngô Thanh Nhàn

Born: Vietnam

Known for: His work as a linguist to preserve and make accessible through computer technology the Vietnamese pre-colonial ideographic script of Chữ Nôm. Although approximately 1000 years of Vietnamese cultural history is recorded in Chữ Nôm, now fewer than 100 scholars world-wide can read it. Also known for playing and teaching the đàn tranh (a Vietnamese 16-string zither); and for working for reparations to Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange.

Favorite culture tool: Music

For more information, please check out Nhàn’s website.

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