This ancient writing system contains the cultural depth, beliefs, and indigenous knowledge of the community. From free classes to the careful maintenance of ancient books, the journey of passing down the ethnic script is being continued through each generation. It is heartening to see that in a world of digital shorthand, some still find the beauty in the slow, deliberate curves of a traditional brush.

For about four years, the small house of Chảo Trần Pú in Huổi Cơ Dạo village has hummed with the sound of reading during the summer months. These free Nôm Dao classes are organized by the local Dao people for children in the village and surrounding areas. Phùng Ông Tàn, a son of Huổi Cơ Dạo village, is the primary instructor. He shared that as life develops, many young people no longer use the Dao language in daily life, and those who know the traditional script are even fewer. Without active teaching, Nôm Dao would eventually only exist in the memories of the elderly.

Beginning in 2021, the first class opened its doors to students of all ages. Each course lasts about two summer months, running regularly from 19:30 to 21:30. Hands calloused from a long day of labor patiently shape each stroke of the script. This mountain-side home has transformed into a space where the “soul of the script” is kept alive. Alongside writing, the class also teaches Dao folk songs, helping the script remain inseparable from the spiritual life of the community. Lý Lai Hoàng from Huổi Cơ Dạo village mentioned that although going to class after a tiring workday is difficult, everyone tries their best to understand their roots and customs.

The desire to learn is not confined to Nà Hỳ. People from neighboring areas also seek out these classes. In Vàng Đán Dạo village, where 38 households reside, residents like Chảo Lù Lang do not mind the long distance to reach Nà Hỳ for lessons. He shared that while he is Dao, he previously could not read or write the script. Now that he can, he hopes to perform traditional rituals for his own family in the future.

In Sín Chải village, meritorious artisan Lý Lìn Siểu has been passionate about ancient books written with Chinese ink on dó paper since he was a child. To him, every page is a treasure chest of knowledge and history. For many years, Siểu has diligently collected and preserved these ancient texts, using them to compile materials for teaching. His content focuses on ancient stories that educate on morality and life philosophy, as well as ritual prayers for weddings, funerals, and harvest festivals.

Lý Lìn Siểu believes that Nôm Dao script is more than a means of communication; it is a social bond that preserves indigenous knowledge. Therefore, his teaching does not stop at letters but extends to teaching how to be a good person. Younger students learn polite speech, while older ones learn logic and how to distinguish right from wrong within the family and community. Amidst the flow of integration where traditional values risk fading, these classes in Nà Hỳ persist like a steady, smoldering flame. This effort represents a profound desire to maintain the traditional cultural identity, the priceless asset of the Dao people here.