@article{ART003301264},
author={Do Thu Hien},
title={“Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present},
journal={SUVANNABHUMI},
issn={2092-738X},
year={2026},
volume={18},
number={1},
pages={171-195},
doi={10.22801/svn.2026.18.1.171}
TY - JOUR
AU - Do Thu Hien
TI - “Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present
JO - SUVANNABHUMI
PY - 2026
VL - 18
IS - 1
PB - Korea Institute for ASEAN Studies
SP - 171
EP - 195
SN - 2092-738X
AB - Nam quốc sơn hà (Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country), generally attributed to the 10th century, is one of the most celebrated works in Vietnamese literature and is widely regarded as a symbol of national spirit and an early declaration of independence. This study examines the process of its canonization from the early 20th century to the present, tracing how it was elevated to the foremost literary symbol of national discourse. It analyzes the origins of this process, its key stages, and the social forces involved.
The article argues that the transformation of Nam quốc sơn hà into a canonical text was not the result of intrinsic literary qualities alone but emerged through the coordinated participation of state institutions, scholars, the media, and— most decisively—the education system. By drawing on discourse analysis, canon formation theory, and reception studies, the research sheds light on how institutional and discursive practices embed literary works into collective memory and national identity.
KW - Nam quốc sơn hà;literary canon;national;discourse;reception studies;Vietnamese literature
DO - 10.22801/svn.2026.18.1.171
ER -
Do Thu Hien. (2026). “Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present. SUVANNABHUMI, 18(1), 171-195.
Do Thu Hien. 2026, "“Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present", SUVANNABHUMI, vol.18, no.1 pp.171-195. Available from: doi:10.22801/svn.2026.18.1.171
Do Thu Hien "“Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present" SUVANNABHUMI 18.1 pp.171-195 (2026) : 171.
Do Thu Hien. “Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present. 2026; 18(1), 171-195. Available from: doi:10.22801/svn.2026.18.1.171
Do Thu Hien. "“Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present" SUVANNABHUMI 18, no.1 (2026) : 171-195.doi: 10.22801/svn.2026.18.1.171
Do Thu Hien. “Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present. SUVANNABHUMI, 18(1), 171-195. doi: 10.22801/svn.2026.18.1.171
Do Thu Hien. “Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present. SUVANNABHUMI. 2026; 18(1) 171-195. doi: 10.22801/svn.2026.18.1.171
Do Thu Hien. “Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present. 2026; 18(1), 171-195. Available from: doi:10.22801/svn.2026.18.1.171
Do Thu Hien. "“Mountains and Rivers of the Southern Country” or A Symbol of National Spirit - The Process of Canonizing "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" from the Early 20th Century to the Present" SUVANNABHUMI 18, no.1 (2026) : 171-195.doi: 10.22801/svn.2026.18.1.171
