Suche
Mein Konto
Symposium in Bielefeld: Vietnam post-war consequences in focus!
The symposium “Half a Century after War” at Bielefeld University will shed light on the consequences of the Indochina War on April 4, 2025.
Symposium in Bielefeld: Vietnam post-war consequences in focus!
On April 1, 2025, just a few days before the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Second Indochina War, Bielefeld University will be the focus of an important symposium. Under the title “Half a Century after War: Voices from Global Vietnam” the aftereffects of the war on families, culture and politics are examined. This symposium is led by Professor Dr. Minh Nguyen and Dr. Ngoc Luong organizes and takes place on April 4th. Currently reported that the event offers a platform for the exchange of complex and often painful memories of the time of war.
In modern times, millions of Vietnamese have left the country, which has not only shaped their own lifestyles, but also created new connections between East and West and North and South. This dynamic reality is supported by various scientists, including Dr. Kevin D. Pham of the University of Amsterdam, who examines Vietnamese thinkers' views on colonialism and independence in his book "The Architects of Dignity." Currently refers, that decolonization will also be part of the discussions led by researchers from Vietnam, the USA and Canada.
Artistic contributions and personal stories
The literature and art of Vietnam take a central place at the symposium. The writer Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai will read from her novel “Dust Child”, which impressively addresses the consequences of war in Vietnamese families. The artist Maithu Bùi will present works that deal with the themes of violence and history and have already been exhibited at the Berlin Biennale. Planet Wissen reports also by Vietnam's long history, which is characterized by colonial pressure and a constant striving for independence.
After the reading, scientists will discuss the different interpretations of the story. The symposium ends with a discussion in which eight scientists from different countries discuss the anthology “Reconfiguring Vietnam: Global Encounters, Translocal Lifeworlds”. The editors, Professor Dr. Minh Nguyen and Professor Dr. Kirsten Endres, have published this valuable contribution to research on Vietnam.
A free and barrier-free event
The symposium will take place both on-site and online to allow for wider participation. Simultaneous translation between English and Vietnamese is offered to reduce language barriers. Participation is free of charge, but registration is required, which must be done by email to doan.vo@uni-bielefeld.de. Professor Dr. Minh Nguyen, who researches at the Faculty of Sociology at Bielefeld University, is investigating, among other things, the influence of financial markets on the everyday lives of workers in Vietnam, China and Laos in her project “FinancialLives”.
While the symposium highlights important themes that have emerged throughout Vietnamese history since the period of colonization and war, it also provides an inclusive platform to address current histories and challenges. Organizers hope the event will help deepen understanding of the complex experiences of Vietnamese people in the world and create a space for dialogue and healing.