How should wards and communes be named after the merger?

Mr. Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture andEducation, discussed this issue with Giao Thong Newspaper.

Mr. Bui Hoai Son.

Respect cultural and historical traditions
Recently, the naming of communes and wards after the merger has created conflicting opinions. Typically, the hometown of "Queen of Nom poetry" Ho Xuan Huong is Quynh Doi commune, when merged with Quynh Hau commune, the proposed name will be Doi Hau commune. Of course, the people of Quynh Doi do not agree. How do you view this issue?

Naming an administrative unit is not simply the job of the government. It must reflect the local historical tradition, the imprints associated with the people, the pride that has been cultivated by generations of local people and their dreams associated with those places.

It is not by chance that land and village names, over time, associated with history, are always given meaningful and highly respected names. Therefore, when naming a new administrative unit, it is necessary to consider the historical and cultural traditions and aspirations of the local people, to avoid unnecessary consequences later.

Is it true that places in the past always contain certain historical and cultural values, closest to the lives of many generations of people, so changing them is not simple, sir?

That’s right. That name can be a wish for a better life, often expressed in Chinese characters such as: An Thai, Nhan Hoa, An Ninh, Thuong Tho… or associated with the clan that founded the village, with the most people such as: Bui Xa, Cao Xa, Le Xa… or associated with the characteristics of the landscape and natural environment such as: Hac Tri, Dong Son, Hao Nam…

This means that place names are always associated with certain messages. "Each village beats its own drum, each village worships its own saint". Not to mention that today, localities also have many different beliefs and religions.

Therefore, merging and changing not only easily leads to the loss of the identity of the land, but more dangerously, can also cause unnecessary conflicts and contradictions.

Need to listen and consult the community
That said, historical, geographical and cultural factors play an important role in naming a new name, requiring careful consideration rather than simply naming it?

Certainly so. Over time, the names of places and villages have crystallized into many other special values, through folk songs, proverbs, festivals, customs, habits, and even historical figures...

In the past, people even attached village names to people’s names to show how important the traditions of a region were. Expanding beyond villages, communes, cantons, and towns in the past, districts, provinces now, or even the entire Dong, Doai, Son Nam regions… are all cultural regions.

There are currently no specific regulations on naming wards and communes after the merger. For example, the people of Quynh Doi and Quynh Hau communes both want to keep the old names. How do you think this case should be handled?

Consulting the community and stakeholders when proposing and deciding on new names is a very important method to ensure transparency in the process of naming new administrative units.

This is the best way to ensure that the decision to name a new administrative unit is based on the opinions and needs of the community, showing respect for the views and aspirations of the people living in that area. This is not only a way to listen to opinions but also to create participation and support from the community.

When communities feel they can participate in the decision-making process, they are more likely to support and accept the final decision. Community consultation can also help uncover new ideas and name suggestions that government agencies have not yet considered.

Therefore, holding a meeting or survey to listen to opinions and suggest new names from residents is a very good and meaningful idea, helping to build consensus and create a suitable name.

Consider 5 principles
So, to ensure that the naming of new administrative units accurately reflects the history and culture of the region, do you think there are certain principles that should be followed?

Quynh Doi Commune, Quynh Luu District, Nghe An Province is a place with a long history and many famous people. Photo: DV

There is no fixed formula for this, because the harmony of historical and cultural factors depends on each locality, even each specific case. However, there may be some general principles.

First, it is necessary to carefully study the history and culture of the locality.

Second, it is necessary to consult local communities, including ethnic, cultural, clan groups, and local leaders through community meetings, or opinion polls, including online discussions.

Third, pay attention and consider using local languages. This not only helps to honor and preserve local languages and cultures, but also helps to create a stronger connection between the community and the place.

Fourth, consider historical and cultural significance. Accordingly, when naming a new place, the historical and cultural significance of the name must be considered. Avoid choosing words or names that may be controversial or disrespectful to part of the community.

Fifth is to implement strict procedures, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and regulations when naming new places.

Must ensure no paperwork hassles
Some people think that the name of one of the merged localities should be chosen to name the new locality. That way, at least a familiar local name can be retained and at least the residents of one ward will not have to change their information. What do you think?

Nothing is impossible, as long as there is preparation, careful research and proper implementation of the process. In fact, we have done this with many place names. In my opinion, this is also a reasonable choice, especially when the name has historical, cultural or special significance to the community.

However, it is important to ensure that reusing this name does not cause paperwork problems and facilitates a smooth merger process.

To do that, before reusing the name, it is necessary to notify and explain to the community the reason and meaning of this so that they accept it.

In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the re-use of the name is carried out through strict procedures, and that contact information such as address, land registration records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. of the new administrative unit are updated and correctly reflect the new name, avoiding confusion and trouble when communicating. Especially information and documents related to banks, post offices , and other state agencies.

People in some communes are concerned that their communes, once recognized as heroic communes, will now be merged and will no longer be heroic communes. Is there any solution to this problem, sir?

This concern is completely understandable. The historical factor and this title play an important role in preserving and promoting the spirit of solidarity, national pride and patriotism of the community. Therefore, the merger process needs to discuss with the local community how to preserve and honor the historical heritage of the commune, including the title of "heroic commune".

Consideration could be given to creating measures to protect and develop this heritage, including the creation of memorials, museums, or educational programs about local history and culture.

Thank you!

Source baogiaothong.vn

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