INTERVIEW/Vietnamese author Trang Hạ embraces life-changing lessons learned in Taiwan

By Judy Tseng and Chao Yen-hsiang, CNA staff reporters

Before she first set foot in Taiwan in 2003 for an exchange program, Nguyễn Thị Hoa was already gaining recognition as a writer in Vietnam under her pen name, Trang Hạ, having received a few literary awards.

A 27-year-old journalist at the time, Nguyễn initially asked her husband and children for a six-month leave from domestic duties. However, her planned short stay evolved into a transformative six-year journey that redefined her life.

By 2017, Nguyễn was named one of Forbes Vietnam's 50 most influential women in the country. She has also consistently ranked among the country's top 10 most popular writers.

In an interview with CNA on Monday, Nguyễn referred to her time in Taiwan as the "most beautiful accident" of her life, describing the country as a school that re-educated her on the meaning of living.

An unexpected detour

Recalling the "culture shock" she experienced in Taiwan, Nguyễn said she was moved to tears during her first week by the vast resources at Kaohsiung's Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages (now Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages).

"I found the college's seven-story library to be even larger than the National Library of Vietnam. Furthermore, there was high-speed broadband internet and access to books that were then banned in Vietnam," she said.

Nguyễn eventually decided to pursue a master's degree in Taiwan. Her experiences there shifted her creative focus from purely fictional stories to non-fiction.

"It was only when I came to Taiwan that I realized there is so much inspiration in daily life," she said. "Some people's stories are stunning or hilarious, while others make you appreciate being human -- being able to experience those feelings and meet such remarkable people."

She channeled these experiences into her writing. Her collection, "The Fires on Sizihwan Bay" (Những Đống Lửa Trên Vịnh Tây Tử), won the 2004 Literature for Youth Award in Vietnam.

More than two decades later, Nguyễn remains one of Vietnam's most prominent voices, with nearly 500,000 followers on her blog. She noted that her books have sold over 100,000 copies -- a staggering figure in Vietnam, where the reading culture is still developing and a typical first edition consists of only 2,000 copies.

A leading voice for Vietnamese women

Nguyễn observed that Vietnamese society often imposes heavy pressure and traditional obligations on women. It was in Taiwan that she witnessed how local women define their own identities.

"You can become financially independent, maintain your independence in a relationship, and earn society's respect," said Nguyễn, who wove these themes into her work.

In "Women at Thirty" (Đàn Bà Ba Mươi), for example, she drew parallels between Vietnam and Taiwan, depicting how women navigate the pressures of single motherhood, the "virginity complex," and the expectations placed on working women regarding household chores.

Nguyễn's works empowered many Vietnamese women to advocate for themselves, including asking their husbands to share in domestic labor. However, this shift also made her a target for male netizens, who criticized her for "destroying family happiness."

In 2017, Forbes Vietnam recognized her impact on social movements. Reflecting on Vietnam in the 2000s, Nguyễn said society has changed significantly over the past decade.

"I don't have numbers to show you how much life has changed, but I can see more 'Trang Hạs' emerging today. They are certainly luckier than I was because they live in a more open society," she said.

A missionary for Taiwanese culture

Many readers have told Nguyễn that her books inspired them to send their children to study in Taiwan or choose the island as their first overseas travel destination.

"Having that kind of social impact makes me prouder of my works," she said.

To further share the values she discovered in Taiwan, Nguyễn plans to establish a Chinese language center, which will focus on teaching traditional Chinese characters and Hokkien to learners aged 40 and above.

"In my opinion, you aren't just learning a language. You are acquiring new knowledge, new perspectives, and embracing new ways of living."

To Nguyễn, Taiwan's greatest asset is not its semiconductor industry or its economic prowess, but its traditional culture and language. "I believe cultural tradition is the brand that contributes most to an individual or a country as we march toward a new era," she said.

"The major drive of Taiwan's development has always resided in none other than its society. If Taiwan manages its cultural resources well, I am certain it will remain prominent in all aspects across Asia."

Enditem/AW