The development of Champa script in Vietnam

Minh Trang Nguyen; Hoang Nha Nghi Tran

doi:10.18535/sshj.v8i06.1142

Abstract

The Cham people in Vietnam boast a rich history and unique writing system. In the early days, writing was influenced by the Indian Brahmi script, and later developed along with their civilization. Initially used for religious purposes on temple structures, this script gradually diversified into distinct styles to suit the language and life in the Champa Kingdom. This script served administrative, literary, and commercial record keeping functions. However, the decline of the Champa kingdom led to a decline in the use of this script. Despite its irreplaceable historical value, this heritage is facing threats from natural and human factors. The paper traces the history of Cham language research, noting pivotal contributions by French scholars in the 19th and 20th centuries and current preservation initiatives. It highlights the preservation methods within Cham families, intellectual circles, and institutions, emphasizing the importance of traditional practices and modern efforts. The challenges of teaching Cham in contemporary schools are discussed, alongside the potential of digital technology to aid language preservation.

Keywords

ChampascripdevelopmentVietnam

References

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