Research of Ethnicities in the Viet-Muong Linguistic Group in the Coming Time

Abstract

The Viet-Muong linguistic group includes four ethnic groups: Kinh (Viet), Muong, Tho and Chut. Together, they comprise the largest population in Vietnam. The Viet, as the majority, play a significant role in promoting the development of the country. During the last several decades, the Department of Researching Ethnicities in the Viet-Muong Linguistic Group has been implementing various researches after focusing on particular research topics. However, given the limitation of financial and human resources, many research topics concerning these ethnic groups have not yet been covered. This article reviews researches on ethnicities in the Viet-Muong linguistic group which have been conducted by ethnological approach, anthropology and other social science disciplines since 1986. By undergoing this review, the authors examine emerging issues in these ethnic groups and make recommendations on new research topics for the future.