“The four core backbones of a nationality are language, literature, culture and history, and like [four of] them, our Mon cultural heritage such as music and dance are important, especially for the youth to learn. Culture is what reveals a nationality’s standard,” said Nai Hong Sar.
Nai Hong Sar also said that Mon nationality would endure if young Mons [and Mon people] continue to use Mon literature and speak Mon language. Furthermore, he provided some examples of using one nationality’s literature and language to perpetuate the culture.
“Although the literature, language and culture won’t disappear immediately, if we use or mix other languages, literature or culture, we will then be swallowed by that nationality and then our nationality will be gone,” said Nai Hong Sar.
At the cultural musical instrument training session, thirteen students learnt musical instruments such as crocodile, crescent shaped graduated gongs, xylophone and drums, while eight students learnt Mon cultural dance and two students learnt singing classical songs.
“For the children to learn it and be able to play within such a short time, we first teach them the music notation. Now, the children can just play it as they see the notes. If they continue to learn, they will be able to play much better,” said trainer Nai Htaw Paing.
The training, which initially started in 2011 by Director Nai Kasauh Mon, lasts three months with trainers Nai Htaw Paing, Nai Htun Sein and Min Ton Non. Thus far, two musical instrument trainings were provided while three training sessions in cultural dances were also provided. More than sixty trainees have participated in the trainings.
About a hundred people, including committee members of Mon Literature and Culture Association in Three Pagodas Pass and locals, were present at the closing ceremony.
