Behavioral and Adaptive Forms of the Viet Ethnic Group in the Mountainous Towns

Abstract

This article examines the behavioral and adaptive strategies of three Viet populations relocated in the mountainous towns of Quynh Nhai District, Son La Province. This case study looks at three Viet groups originating from Thai Binh, Nam Dinh and Hung Yen Provinces. The author points out that thanks to various periods and purposes of the migration, the development of the three Viet groups vary. The Viet farmers originating from Thai Binh Province moved to Quynh Nhai relatively early (1961-1962) and had a significant contribution to the powerful local governmental administration and created a solidarity between the Viet and the Thai in this area. The Viet people derived from Nam Dinh and Hung Yen Provinces came to Quynh Nhai later than the Thai Binh-originated Viet, mostly from 1993 till now; they are free migrants and work as traders of commodities to get rich; therefore they have established a bustling trading area in Quynh Nhai District. Although contributions of the Viet groups are different, all the Viet people have played important roles in building up and developing the economy of Quynh Nhai.