Societal narratives in a Vietnamese rap song

Authors

  • Tran Ngoc Bao Chau

    Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam
  • Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh

    Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam
  • Phuong Hoang Yen

    Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam
  • Pham Trut Thuy

    Nam Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam
  • Le Thanh Thao

    Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59400/fls.v6i2.1130

Abstract

This study explores the cultural and moral narratives in the contemporary Vietnamese rap song "Nau an cho em" by Den Vau. The research employs a corpus-based linguistic analysis to dissect the song's lyrics, uncovering themes and messages that resonate with broader societal issues in Vietnam. The analysis reveals four key themes: the resilience and hope of children in Vietnam's mountainous regions, the empowerment through education and self-improvement, the juxtaposition of natural beauty with hard realities, and the portrayal of community and collective identity. These themes highlight the song's portrayal of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, the transformative power of education, and the importance of communal support and unity. The study demonstrates how contemporary Vietnamese music, particularly Den Vau's work, transcends entertainment to offer profound insights into social commentary and moral reflection. It underscores the role of music as a medium for cultural expression and societal discourse in contemporary Vietnam.

Keywords:

Nau an cho em; a corpus-based analysis; Den Vau; societal narratives; Vietnamese rap

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How to Cite

Chau, T. N. B., Linh, N. T. T., Yen, P. H., Thuy, P. T., & Thao, L. T. (2024). Societal narratives in a Vietnamese rap song. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.59400/fls.v6i2.1130

Issue

Vol. 6 , Iss. 2 (June 2024)

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2024 Tran Ngoc Bao Chau, Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, Phuong Hoang Yen, Pham Trut Thuy, Le Thanh Thao

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.