Viet Nam-Hungary: A Bond Across Generations

Vu Trong Thi, Member of the Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Association:

Music Connecting Two Cultures

In 1969, I had the invaluable opportunity to study in Hungary, a country celebrated for its distinctive folk melodies. During my time at the Corvinus University of Budapest from 1970 to 1976, I translated numerous Hungarian songs into Vietnamese and vice versa.

Vu Trong Thi introduces the book-selected bilingual songs of Hungary-Viet Nam and Viet Nam-Hungary which he translated. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In 1974, I met a Hungarian girl who had a deep affection for Viet Nam. She was passionate about the Vietnamese language and often asked me to sing Vietnamese songs for her. This inspired me to adapt and translate several well-known Hungarian songs into Vietnamese and Vietnamese songs into Hungarian, including “Làng tôi” (My Village), "Con kênh xanh xanh” (The Green Canal), and “Một con vịt” (A Duck).

These experiences in Hungary culminated in the publication of a bilingual songbook in 2022, a testament to my five decades of dedication to preserving and connecting the musical traditions of both cultures.

I currently teach Hungarian to students who have received Hungarian scholarships, expatriate workers, and children, with the hope that they will continue to foster a connection with Hungary. However, I have witnessed that Vietnamese youth today seem less engaged with Hungary, partly due to the challenges of learning the language. Hungarian is known as one of the most difficult languages in the world, with a complex grammar system.

Therefore, I propose that the Hungarian government offers scholarships covering both tuition and living expenses, as they did in the past while requiring students to commit to studying and working in Hungary for a certain period after graduation. This would help them gain a deeper understanding of Hungarian culture and language, thereby strengthening the traditional ties between the two countries.

It is also crucial that the Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Association attracts younger members. Engaging activities that connect current students in Hungary and foster an active community will be key to maintaining and developing the friendship between Viet Nam and Hungary.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh, Member of the Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Association:

Passing Love for Hungary to Younger Generations

I have many fond memories of my years studying in Hungary during the 1970s. Beyond acquiring professional knowledge, I developed a deep love for this country, a love that I have passed on to my children and grandchildren from a young age.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh at the 2024 Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Meeting. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

When my children were little, I often sang them Hungarian lullabies with melodies I had learned while living there. Though my children did not fully understand the lyrics, they felt the love I had for Hungary through each song. These melodies became a cherished part of their childhood, serving as a bridge between the generations in my family and Hungary.

In my family, both my son and daughter-in-law studied in Hungary. They met there, and even after returning to Viet Nam, they have maintained a strong connection to the country. However, like many other families, I have seen that the younger generation is less involved in the activities of the Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Association. This may be because the association's current activities are primarily attended by older members, which can make younger people feel less connected.

I hope the association can organize more engaging and relevant activities to attract the younger generation. We need to create spaces for interaction where both older and younger members can participate. This would provide an opportunity to pass on the love for Hungary and strengthen relations between the two countries across generations.

Thai Danh Hau, Member of the Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Association:

Fond Memories of Hungarian Fish Soup

My years of studying in Hungary are filled with deep memories, especially of the country’s rich culinary traditions.

Thai Danh Hau at the 2024 Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Meeting. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

One dish that I will never forget is Hungarian fish soup. This spicy soup, typically made with freshwater fish like carp and seasoned with distinctive spices such as paprika and onions, is perfect for cold winter days, bringing a wonderfully warm feeling.

Beyond fish soup, I also greatly enjoyed other Hungarian dishes like fried chicken and sausages, which boast rich, savory flavors and a unique style. I particularly miss the sweet, crisp taste of Hungarian apples, a variety that is hard to find in Viet Nam, and which makes me nostalgic every time I think about them.

The memories of Hungarian cuisine and life always stir my emotions. Whenever I miss Hungary, I often seek out similar dishes to recreate the familiar flavors, keeping a piece of Hungary close to my heart.

Vu Hoai Chuong, Member of the Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Association:

Engaging Younger Generation in Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Association

Currently, most members of the Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Association are older, and attracting younger participants remains a challenge. However, the association continues its efforts by organizing regular events, including friendship meetings, and cultural exchanges, and by maintaining the Viet Nam-Hungary Friendship Association Facebook page to keep members connected. While the majority of participants are older, online activities have helped the association reach a broader audience, including younger people.

Former Vietnamese students who studied in Hungary take commemorative photos during a meeting. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

To overcome this challenge, the association needs to be more creative in organizing activities that resonate with the interests of the younger generation. This could include Hungarian cultural competitions and online exchanges with Vietnamese students studying in Hungary.

Creating diverse spaces for interaction, where both older and younger generations can meet and share experiences, will significantly contribute to sustaining the Viet Nam-Hungary friendship.

Source: Vietnamtimes