Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS)

Safeguarding Vietnamese Traditional Musical Instruments in the Digital Era: A Cultural Management Perspective

Tang, Dang Thanh

19 September 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 9, pp. 1723-1732

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-11

Abstract

Safeguarding Vietnamese traditional musical instruments in the digital era requires management of more than physical objects or isolated digital files; the relevant unit is a living heritage ecosystem comprising instruments, sound, skills, knowledge, context, and communities of practice. Objective: This study examines how digital technologies can support the safeguarding of Vietnamese traditional musical instruments and develops a cultural management framework for linking digital resources with living heritage continuity. Methods: A structured narrative review was combined with policy analysis. The analytical corpus comprised 42 bibliographically verified sources: 36 journal articles, 2 conference/book chapters focused directly on Vietnamese traditional instruments, 3 Vietnamese legal or policy documents, and 1 international normative instrument. Sources were synthesised according to the safeguarding object, digital function, community role, governance issue, and continuity outcome. Results: Four recurring management tensions were identified: data richness but contextual poverty; open access but weak rights control; engaging experiences but reduced authenticity; and wider reach without guaranteed transmission. The study proposes a 5C framework comprising Community, Context, Connectivity, Control, and Continuity. Conclusion: The 5C framework shifts evaluation from the quantity of digital files to the quality of relationships among data, heritage bearers, context, rights, and practice. It provides a basis for database management, interpretation, education, access governance, and the assessment of safeguarding outcomes in Vietnam.

Keywords: traditional musical instruments, cultural management, intangible cultural heritage, digital transformation, digital safeguarding, heritage governance, Vietnam

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Tang, & Dang Thanh (2026). Safeguarding Vietnamese Traditional Musical Instruments in the Digital Era: A Cultural Management Perspective. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(9), 1723-1732. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-11

@article{Tang2026,
  title   = {Safeguarding Vietnamese Traditional Musical Instruments in the Digital Era: A Cultural Management Perspective},
  author  = {Tang and Dang Thanh},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {9},
  pages   = {1723-1732},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-11},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-11}
}

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