Final Round of the “Preserving the Tay and Nung Languages for Secondary and High School Students in the Geopark Region” Contest

The final round saw the participation of 115 students and 16 teachers, forming 8 competing teams divided into two groups: secondary schools and high schools. The teams competed in three categories: a multiple-choice knowledge test, a talent performance segment, and a question-and-answer session based on random draws.

In the multiple-choice round, the four teams in each school level answered 20 questions focused on the UNESCO Global Geopark and the local geological, cultural, and historical values.

Next, in the talent segment, teams showcased performances in the Tay or Nung languages through various theatrical forms such as: composing and reciting poetry or folk songs, adapting traditional folk tunes with new lyrics, drawing, creating wall newspapers, performing skits or short plays, delivering tourism presentations, or giving speeches in their ethnic languages. Each performance was limited to a maximum of 8 minutes.

In the final Q&A round, teams took turns presenting topics that are culturally rich and familiar, such as traditional crafts, signature local dishes, ethnic costumes, and remarkable tourist attractions within the Geopark region.

 The performances were creatively and vividly staged, demonstrating the students’ deep understanding of traditional cultural identity, strong sense of national pride, and their ability to use the Tay and Nung languages fluently.

At the end of the contest, the Organizing Committee awarded 2 First Prizes, 2 Second Prizes, 2 Third Prizes, and 2 Consolation Prizes to the most outstanding teams. The First Prize for the secondary school group went to Minh Thanh Secondary School (Nguyen Binh district), while the First Prize for the high school group was awarded to Dam Quang Trung High School (Ha Quang district). The most favorite talent performance, as voted by the audience through the official fanpage, was awarded to: to Noi Thon Primary and Secondary School (Ha Quang district), and in the high school group, it went to Cao Bang Provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities.

Not only a platform for intellect and creativity, the competition also created a strong communication impact, drawing wide public attention and spreading a positive message about preserving native languages and traditional cultural values. With its profound educational significance, the event reaffirmed the role and responsibility of the young generation in safeguarding indigenous languages, aligning with the sustainable development goals of the Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark. In doing so, it fostered a love for the homeland and heightened awareness and responsibility among youth in preserving and promoting local cultural heritage.