Mr. Phan Van Truong from Thuong Minh village, Hong Quang commune (Lam Binh district), teaches the Pa Then language to children.

Driven by concern over the growing language gap, where elders still speak Pa Then but younger generations barely understand it or cannot speak it at all, Mr. Truong, one of the few residents have graduated with a degree in education, volunteered to become a “keeper of the flame” for his ethnic language. Each day, he patiently visits village elders, engaging them in conversation and carefully recording every word and tone of the Pa Then language using the national script, as the original writing system has long been lost.

Despite the many challenges in recording and transcribing the language, due to its complex pronunciation and tonal nuances, Truong never gave up. He firmly believes that “language is meant to be passed down orally; only through direct learning can it truly be absorbed.” His aspiration gained new momentum when local authorities launched an initiative to revive Pa Then culture, including the opening of a traditional folk singing class. Seizing the opportunity, Truong volunteered to become the teacher, beginning his mission to “sow” the Pa Then language once again among the villagers.

This special class attracts students of all ages, from six-year-old children to elders in their sixties. Each person attends this class with a different purpose: children want to learn their traditional language, while older participants join to refresh their memory or simply to listen and support the younger generation’s love for their ethnic roots.

Beyond the classroom, Truong seizes every opportunity, from youth union gatherings and village art performances to community sports events, to incorporate the Pa Then language into daily life, gradually restoring it as a vibrant and integral part of the local culture.

Phan Van Truong is widely known as a devoted person of Thuong Minh village. For the past decade, he has earned the trust of his community as Secretary of the village Youth Union. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage, he actively studies Pa Then folk songs and performs alongside members of the Thuong Minh Homestay Performance Team during festivals and to welcome tourists.

Truong says he feels proud and fortunate to be Pa Then, born in a land rich with unique and mysterious cultural traditions.

“Everyone has their own way of contributing to their homeland. For me, I will continue the journey of preserving and honoring our ethnic identity with a heart full of responsibility.”, he said.