A self-learner of chinese poetry: A project note on the intellectual growth of professor Phan Van Coc

Abstract

Throughout Professor Phan’s entire career, his favorite subject was Chinese poetry. He believed that Chinese poems should not be restricted to his personal liking. They should be shared with the world. He thought that Chinese people should also appreciate Chinese poems. He considered Tang-style poems as human treasure. Professor Phan had become fascinated with Chinese literature because of his father’s influence since he was a child. His father was a Confucian. He taught young Phan phonetic Chinese words in Vietnamese. Professor Phan believes that the common sense among educated Vietnamese continuously nurtured the extreme popularity of Confucianism in the feudal times of Vietnam. Confucianism is part of Vietnam’s history. Professor Phan and colleagues revealed that Vietnamese Confucianism has changed and developed, despite its roots in Chinese Confucianism. He felt that he does not have options other than the family tradition that influences his choice of Chinese poems. His further learning Chinese, studying in China, and teaching Chinese in Vietnam were all assignments required by the government.