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 Home●Montagnard
or minority groups |
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Montagnard or minority groups |
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Preamble |
The Montagnards,
a term used to refer to highlanders, minorities or mountain
people, are the hill tribes of central and northern ViętNam. There are also
areas in the south, to a lesser extent, where such groups can be found.
ViętNam is home to over 54 minorities, the term Montagnards was coined by the
French and is still widely used today.
They were also called Moi (savages) in pre-colonial times before educated
people travelled into the interior. Today the word moi is a derogatory
phrase used by Viętnamese.
During the American War the Montagnards were widely recruited as fighters by
both North and South Viętnamese and much of their land was destroyed. In fact,
Montagnard were fighting the Viętnamese for about 90 days after the
Americans had surrendered SaiGon.
This continued war exacerbated ill-feelings between the Ha Noi Government. Their autonomous existence ended after the
American War.
Tribes in the highlands scratch a living from farming (growing rice, coffee,
black beans and sweet potatoes), as well as producing charcoal, which is seen as
an undesirable occupation by the Viętnamese.
Many of these groups are semi-nomadic, practicing slash and burn methods of
farming causing considerable damage to the environment.
Presently only 21% of ViętNam's land remains forested after the unchecked
gathering of fire wood and routine clearing of land.
Most Montagnards indulge in a tipple of rice wine, which consists of a jar with
multiple straws protruding from every side, that can be shared simultaneously by
many drinkers. It is considered an insult not to join them when asked.
Those Travellers unaccustomed to this alcohol may well experience upset stomachs,
in addition to becoming
drunk. |
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