Top 6 Best Compositions of 'Folk Songs on Family Love' for Grade 7

I. Understanding the Work 1. Question 1, Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1 The first folk song is a lullaby from a mother to her child. The second one expresses the feelings of a daughter who has married far away, longing for her elderly mother back home. The third one is a voice of a descendant speaking to their grandparents. The fourth one is a parental instruction to their children or advice shared among siblings. 2. Question 2, Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1 The message of the first folk song is a reminder to children about their duty and responsibility towards their parents' boundless love and sacrifices. It also emphasizes the sacred love that children should feel for their parents. The beauty of the language, imagery, and rhythm of this folk song lies in: It uses metaphors such as comparing the father's love to "a mountain that reaches the sky" and the mother's love to "the water of the East Sea." The author uses vast, eternal images of nature to represent the enduring efforts of parents. The use of symmetry deepens the meaning, with the father’s love mirroring the mother’s love, mountains parallel to seas. The flexible and gentle rhythm of the couplets, coupled with a melodious tone, resembles the soft lullaby a mother would whisper to her child, calm and soothing. The abstract idea of "love" is made concrete with the phrase "the nine-character island," so that everyone can easily grasp the significance. Other folk songs that also reflect parents' love are: "Climbing the mountain, one realizes how tall it is," "Raising a child makes one realize the parental sacrifice," Or: "The father's love and the mother's devotion are vast and deep," "They raised me from childhood, facing all difficulties," "Nurturing me through hardship until now," "When I mature, I must honor both parents," "Staying up late, waking early, working diligently," "Fanning warmth, shielding from cold, upholding filial piety." 3. Question 3, Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1 The second song expresses the emotions of a girl who has married far from home. The emotions are clearly depicted through imagery of time, space, actions, and the inner struggles of the character. The phrase "evening by evening" does not refer to one specific evening, but conveys a repetitive sense of sadness, the passing of time. The setting of the "back alley" evokes a sense of solitude, few passersby, and combined with the time of "evening by evening," it deepens the sense of the woman's longing for home and her deep nostalgia for her family. The action of "standing," rather than sitting, in this silent environment at twilight shows the girl’s yearning for home, making her appear even more fragile and lonely. The sentiment of "heart aching every evening" reveals the emotional turmoil of a woman separated from home, filled not only with homesickness but also with a bittersweet sadness, mourning her lonely life as a daughter-in-law and longing for her distant mother, whom no one is there to care for. 4. Question 4, Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1 The third song expresses longing and respect for grandparents. This affection is conveyed through the following imagery: The phrase "as many... as many" concretizes the feeling of longing, making it repeat infinitely, impossible to measure. The action "looking up" signifies respect for the ancestors. The object used for comparison, "the bundles of bamboo used in the house's thatch," symbolizes the strong bond between things, which the author uses to illustrate the deep connection among people of the same bloodline and heritage. The bundles of bamboo also metaphorically point to the immeasurable sacrifices of grandparents for their descendants. The author uses the image of "as many bamboo bundles as there is longing for grandparents" to make the respect and love of descendants for their grandparents both tangible and abstract. 5. Question 5, Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1 In the fourth song, sibling affection is expressed through the following imagery: Though the siblings are two, they share the same "parents," living together under one roof. Unlike strangers, they share the same bloodline. The relationship is compared to "hands and feet," inseparable parts of the body. This imagery reveals the tight-knit bond of siblings, where harmony and support for one another are crucial for a peaceful family. 6. Question 6, Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1 The artistic techniques used in all four folk songs include: - The use of metaphors and comparisons. - The gentle, flowing structure of the six-eight verse form. - Familiar, accessible imagery drawn from daily life. - A soothing, sweet tone, reminiscent of a mother’s lullaby. II. Practice 1. Question 1, Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1 The emotions conveyed in all four folk songs are those of family love: the gratitude for birth, the love between parents and children, the affection from children to parents, the respect from grandchildren to grandparents, and sibling affection. These are sacred feelings, and these folk songs remind future generations to always remember, respect, and preserve these values. 2. Question 2, Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1 Other folk songs with similar themes include: "A father's love is like Mount Tai," "A mother's love is like water flowing from the source," "A heart devoted to honoring mother and father," "Only by fulfilling filial piety can one be a true child." Or: "The autumn wind blows as mother lulls the child to sleep," "The night stretches long, staying awake for five watches..."

I. About the Genre

Folk songs and folk music are equivalent terms, referring to poetic genres of folk literature that combine lyrics with music, expressing the inner life of people. Today, there is a distinction between folk songs and folk music. Folk music refers to compositions that combine lyrics and music, representing traditional songs in performance. Folk songs specifically refer to the lyrics of folk music, and they also include poetic forms that share the same artistic style as folk song lyrics. The term 'folk song' is also used to refer to a specific genre of folk poetry – folk songs.

Folk songs and folk music are lyrical genres that often reflect personal thoughts, feelings, and the inner world of individuals. Common figures in folk songs and folk music include husbands, wives, mothers, children, and people in familial relationships, as well as young men and women in romantic relationships, farmers, and women in social contexts. Additionally, some folk songs are satirical, criticizing societal flaws or amusing events. Satirical folk songs vividly express the unique features of Vietnamese folk humor and art.

Furthermore, besides the typical lyrical characteristics, folk songs and folk music have distinct features such as:

Short length, typically consisting of two or four lines of poetry.
Often employing repetition as a primary literary device to create imagery.
Folk songs and music are exemplary in their authenticity, simplicity, compactness, evocativeness, and the ability to endure across generations. The language used in folk songs and music is poetic but still closely aligned with the everyday spoken language of the people, often reflecting distinct regional dialects.

II. Guidelines for Preparing the Lesson

Question 1:

Folk song 1: These are the words of a mother singing her child to sleep: "Hush, hush, lullaby," "My dear child."

Folk song 2: The words of a young woman, now married and living far from home, speaking to her mother in her hometown: "Looking towards my mother's home," "The back alley."

Folk song 3: The words of grandchildren speaking to their grandparents: "Under the roof's beam," "Grandfather and grandmother."

Folk song 4: These could be the words of siblings conversing with one another or parents offering advice to their children.

Question 2:

* The emotion expressed in Folk song 1 is the love and gratitude toward parents. The song reminds children of the immense sacrifice of their parents, encouraging them to recognize their duty and responsibility to honor their parents.

* The beauty of this folk song:

It uses artistic comparison and metaphor: a father's contribution is compared to the "lofty mountains," while a mother's love is likened to the "endless sea." This symbolizes that a parent's love is boundless and incomprehensible.
The symmetry of the song enhances the imagery, pairing the father's love with the mother's, mountain with sea.
The sweet rhythm of the six-eight verse makes it easy to remember and touching to the heart.

Similar folk songs expressing parental love include:

A father's love is like Mount Tai

A mother's love is like the river's endless flow

To honor your mother and father wholeheartedly

That is the way of filial piety.

Or:

A father's debt is heavy, my friend

A mother's love is as vast as the sky, carrying me for nine months.

Question 3:

Folk song 2 expresses the feelings of a woman married far from her home, feeling the nostalgia for her mother and homeland.

Time: “Every evening,” an onomatopoeic expression evoking a sense of loneliness, sadness, and the recurring cycle of life.
Space: “Back alley,” a secluded space that becomes even quieter in the evening, emphasizing a feeling of solitude, perhaps even hinting at tears.
Action: “Stand,” “Looking towards,” depicts a lonely person with no one to share their thoughts with, longing for the care of aging parents and lamenting over the passage of youth.
The sentiment: “Heart aching every afternoon”
Thus, reading the second folk song, we cannot avoid feeling deep sympathy for the woman's fate.

Question 4:

Folk song 3 expresses the longing and reverence for grandparents. These feelings are conveyed through the comparison of "how much...that much," a common comparison technique in folk songs.

The beauty of this expression lies in:

First, according to Vietnamese customs, what is most respected is placed above. Therefore, the verb “look up” in the song shows the respect the younger generation has for their grandparents.
Second, the image of “roof beam” not only suggests the vastness of the feeling (the endless love and respect for grandparents) but also implies the strong connection between family members who share common ancestors.

Question 5:

Folk song 4 expresses the warm emotions of sibling bonds:

Unlike “strangers,” siblings share things in common – the same bloodline, shared memories of joy and hardship within the family.
The comparison to “hands and feet,” which are essential parts of the human body, highlights the sacred, meaningful, and inseparable nature of sibling relationships.
=> This folk song reminds us that sibling love is sacred and precious; siblings should live harmoniously and happily to bring peace to their parents.

Question 6:

Common artistic techniques in all four folk songs include:

The familiar six-eight meter, easy to remember.
Images of comparison and metaphor.
Familiar and accessible images from everyday life.
Language that is outwardly oriented, but not a mere exchange of words – it conveys a heartfelt message.

Practice
Question 1 (Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1):
- The emotions expressed in all four folk songs are familial: Parent-child, mother-child, grandparent-grandchild, and sibling bonds.
- Observation: These are sacred, valuable feelings that we must respect and preserve.

Question 2* (Page 36, Literature 7, Volume 1):
Some other folk songs with similar themes:
- "The East Sea still ebbs and flows
Don’t worry, parents’ love will always remain"
- “Every evening, carrying my basket to pick vegetables
Looking at my mother’s grave, feeling the pain"
- “When hungry, I eat dates
So I can feed my sick mother”
- “Wise responses to outsiders
Don’t quarrel with your own siblings.”

A. MAIN KNOWLEDGE

Folk songs and traditional music refer to genres of folk poetry combined with music, expressing the inner life of humans. Among them:
Folk music refers to compositions that blend lyrics and melody.
Folk songs are the poetic words of folk music, and they also include other traditional poems that share the same artistic style as folk song lyrics.
Folk songs and music are lyrical in nature, reflecting the emotions and inner world of people. Common lyrical characters in folk songs include mothers, fathers, children, and individuals in family relationships, as well as young men, women, friends, lovers, farmers, and women in social relationships.
Father’s sacrifice is as high as a towering mountain,

Mother’s love is as vast as the East Sea.

The mountain is high, the sea is wide and boundless,

The island with nine words is etched in my heart, dear child!

In the evening, I stand by the back gate

Yearning for my homeland, my heart aches deeply.

Looking up at the roof beams

As many roof beams as there are, that’s how many times I remember my grandparents!

Brothers and sisters are not strangers.

We share the same parents, the same home and bond.

We love each other as we love our own limbs,

Brothers and sisters live harmoniously, bringing joy to both parents.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1 (Page 36 – Textbook) Whose words are expressed in each folk song, and to whom? Why do you think so?

Answer:
The theme of each folk song and the clues to identify that theme are:
Song 1: A lullaby from mother to child (mother speaks to the child).
Language clue: “my dear child”.
Song 2: A daughter’s farewell words to her mother and homeland.
Language clue: “looking toward my homeland”.
Song 3: A grandchild’s longing for their grandparents (spoken by the grandchild).
Language clue: “I miss my grandparents so much”.
Song 4: Words spoken by siblings to each other or by parents and grandparents to their children.
Language clue: brother, sister.
==> The mother, daughter, grandchild, and brother are the lyrical characters in these folk songs.

Question 2 (Page 36 – Textbook) What emotions does Song 1 express? Please explain the beauty of its language, imagery, and rhythm. Find other folk songs with similar themes about parents' love.
Answer:
Parents play an invaluable role in each person’s life, so we must fulfill our duties and responsibilities as children in honor of their tremendous sacrifices. This is the most profound emotion expressed in Song 1. The song undoubtedly strikes a deep emotional chord, conveying a sacred and heartfelt love for parents.
The beauty of this folk song lies in its use of exceptional language, imagery, and rhythm, such as:
In terms of form, the song successfully presents the familiar and sacred lullaby. This form is warm, comforting, and easily memorable for Vietnamese people. The lullaby’s tender and emotional melody evokes deep feelings of maternal love.
Through the use of metaphorical comparisons.
“Father’s sacrifice” is compared to a “towering mountain”. “Mother’s love” is compared to the “East Sea.” These familiar comparisons emphasize the immeasurable love of parents, like nature’s vast mountains and oceans.
The abstract concept of “sacrifice” is concretized through the “nine-lettered island,” making it something everyone can clearly visualize.
The soft and sweet melody of the six-eight verse form and the lullaby’s soothing tone make the song feel like a heartfelt, intimate whisper. This folk song evokes powerful emotions of maternal love and respect.
Other folk songs about parents’ love include:
“Father’s sacrifice is as high as Mount Tai
Mother’s love is like the flowing water of a river.
One should honor parents faithfully
It is the duty of a child to express respect.”
“Autumn wind, mother lulls the child to sleep
In five watches, awake for all five.”
“Father’s love is so heavy, oh my dear
Mother’s love is vast like the sky, for nine months she carried me.”

Question 3 (Page 36 – Textbook) Song 2 expresses the emotions of a woman who marries far from home. Please analyze her emotions through the use of time, space, actions, and her inner feelings.
Answer:
Song 3 depicts the emotions of a woman who marries far from home. With simple and rustic language, the author expresses her deep, unspoken sadness and loneliness.
The woman’s longing for her mother is heartfelt, conveyed through several words and images:
The time “In the evening” suggests the return or reunion of various things. But for the woman, “In the evening” evokes a deep sadness and yearning for her homeland.
Standing by the back gate: the back gate represents an isolated, quiet place, heightening the feeling of solitude and sadness for the woman.
The phrase “Heart aches deeply” means the pain is unbearable. The repetition of the phrase (evening-evening, deep pain) intensifies the sorrow, reflecting her deep sorrow and despair.

Question 4 (Page 36 – Textbook) Song 3 expresses a longing and deep respect for grandparents. How are these feelings conveyed, and what is the beauty of this expression?
Answer:
Song 3 expresses a longing for and respect toward grandparents. The author uses a figurative comparison to convey these emotions:
The action “Looking up” shows the respect and reverence for grandparents.
The comparison object: “woven reeds on the roof” – an ordinary yet deeply intimate image. It suggests both the quantity of the memory (the countless memories of grandparents) and the strong connection (blood ties between the grandchild and grandparents). The woven reeds seem to carry the warmth and love left by the grandparents.
The comparison “As many… as…” expresses a deep, unending yearning, similar to the line:
“Through the village gate, I look at the pagoda
The more tiles, the more I miss my loved ones.”

Question 5 (Page 36 – Textbook) How does Song 4 express sibling love? What lessons does it teach us?
Answer:
Song 4 is a folk song about sibling love. Siblings are two, but they are one, as stated: “We share the same parents, the same family, and the same life.” The relationship is compared to the image of “hands and feet,” emphasizing its closeness, unity, and sacredness. This image portrays the inseparable bond between siblings.
The song teaches us that siblings should live harmoniously, support each other, and be each other’s refuge in times of difficulty, sharing joys and sorrows. Only in this way will the family remain united, and parents will be happy.

Question 6 (Page 36 – Textbook) What artistic techniques are used in all four folk songs?
Answer:
All four folk songs leave a strong impression due to their profound content and artistic techniques:
They use familiar, expressive language and images that resonate with readers. Many folk songs employ the technique of metaphor to emphasize familial love, comparing the intangible (human emotions) with tangible, grand things like mountains and seas.
The rhythmic melody echoes the message, creating a feeling of intimacy.
They also use the traditional folk poetry form, which is deeply rooted in the national culture.

Question 1 (Practice - Page 36) What emotions are expressed in the four folk songs? What are your thoughts on these emotions?
Answer:
The emotions in these four folk songs are about family love. This is a sacred, deep, sincere, and passionate emotion that all of us feel. In each of us, family is the loving home, the place to return after exhaustion, the place to share both sorrow and joy. Therefore, family love is always a recurring theme in folk songs.

Question 2 (Practice - Page 36) Aside from the folk songs in the textbook, can you find and copy other folk songs with similar themes?
Answer:
Other folk songs about family love include:
“Father’s sacrifice, Mother’s virtue
Raised us with care during our innocent days.
Raising children with hardship, now we must honor our parents.
Having parents is better than not having them.”
“With parents, we are like birds with wings, like trees with branches.
In the evening, picking vegetables and looking at my mother’s grave, my heart aches.”
“Evening comes, my heart longs for home
Missing my parents so much, my heart aches.”
“Climbing the mountain, you know how high it is
Raising children, you understand the dedication of a mother.”

I. Author Overview - Folk songs, also known as folk music, are poetic compositions that combine lyrics and music, designed to express the inner life of individuals. - To distinguish between folk songs and folk music, two concepts are currently introduced as follows: + Folk music refers to the traditional songs with both lyrics and music, performed in folk singing rituals. + Folk songs are the poetic lyrics of folk music. Folk songs also include folk poetry that shares the same artistic style as the lyrics of folk music. The term folk song is also used to refer to a specific type of folk poetry - folk verse. II. Overview of the Work 'Songs About Family Emotions' 1. Content Value - Family emotions are a major theme in folk songs. The lyrics often reflect the sentiments expressed by mothers, fathers, grandparents, and children, demonstrating the deep connections between generations. These songs are meant to convey gratitude for parental love and family bonds. - It educates individuals about the importance of gratitude and affection within the family. 2. Artistic Value - Mastery of the traditional poetic form "Lục bát" (six-eight meter). - Use of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and parallelism. - The tone is sweet, intimate, and soothing. Question 1 (Page 36, Grade 7 Textbook) Song 1: This is a lullaby sung by a mother to her child. Song 2: This song is sung by a daughter who is married and living far from her homeland, talking to her mother and home. Song 3: A song expressing the nostalgia of grandchildren for their grandparents. Song 4: This song does not specify the speaker, but based on the context, we can infer: - It is a message from grandparents to their grandchildren. - It is a parental reminder for children to cherish love and care. - It is a conversation between siblings, offering mutual advice and support. Question 2 (Page 22, Grade 7 Textbook) In Song 1, the mother uses a lullaby to teach her child the importance of remembering the sacrifices of their parents. - The lullaby format allows the listener to more easily absorb the message, making it more impactful and emotionally resonant. - The song employs a metaphorical comparison: 'Father's love is as vast as the mountains, and mother's love is as endless as the East Sea,' illustrating the boundless and eternal nature of parental love. Other folk songs with similar content include: "The East Sea may ebb and flow, but parents' love lasts forever." "Every evening I pick vegetables, looking at my mother's grave with heartache." "Even if I’m starving, I’ll eat chà là seeds to feed my old, sick mother." "A clever person speaks wisely, but siblings should never fight each other." "The autumn wind lulls my child to sleep." "No one is kinder than a mother, no one suffers more than a father." "Father's debt is heavy, mother's love is like the sky, after nine months of pregnancy." Question 3 (Page 36, Grade 7 Textbook) This folk song conveys the sorrow of a woman who married far from her hometown. - Setting: "The back alley" symbolizes loneliness and isolation, reflecting the difficult position of women in a patriarchal society. - Time: The repeated mention of "evenings" evokes a sense of melancholy and desolation. + Evening is also a time for reunion, yet the daughter remains isolated, far from home. - Emotion: The pain is deeply expressed, as the song articulates the longing for home, the affection for parents, and the sorrow of a woman's fate in a male-dominated society. Question 4 (Page 36, Grade 7 Textbook) The emotions expressed here are love and respect for grandparents. - These feelings are communicated through metaphorical comparisons, a common technique in folk songs. - Ordinary objects and experiences are often used to symbolize deeper emotions in folk poetry. - The expression of respect and admiration for elders is shown through the phrase "looking up," symbolizing reverence. - The metaphor of "the roof of the house" conveys the strong, unbreakable familial ties and the profound role grandparents play in shaping the family. - The consistent rhythm of the folk verse supports the expression of these emotions. Question 5 (Page 36, Grade 7 Textbook) This folk song portrays the deep affection between siblings. - The use of the phrase "together" highlights the close-knit relationship of siblings. - The metaphor comparing siblings to "hands and feet" emphasizes the interdependence and support they provide each other in life. - This folk song reminds siblings to care for one another, supporting each other through thick and thin. Question 6 (Page 36, Grade 7 Textbook) The folk song employs several literary techniques: - The traditional "Lục bát" meter, rich in musical rhythm. - Familiar and evocative metaphors that are easy for listeners to relate to. - A monologue format, presenting a heartfelt message or advice. - The song conveys family emotions in a deep and poignant way, making it a timeless expression of familial love.

Answer to Question 1 (Page 36, 7th Grade Language Textbook, Volume 1):

- Folk Song 1: A lullaby sung by a mother to her child.

- Folk Song 2: A daughter’s words to her mother before leaving home to get married.

- Folk Song 3: The grandchildren’s expressions to their grandparents.

- Folk Song 4: The words of parents advising their children, or the conversations between siblings.

This analysis is based on the content of each folk song.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 36, 7th Grade Language Textbook, Volume 1):

* The emotion depicted in Folk Song 1 is the parental love for their children, emphasizing the immense gratitude for their parents’ care and upbringing:

- Comparing the father to a towering mountain signifies the enormity of his love.

- Comparing the mother to the vast waters of the East Sea illustrates the depth and expansiveness of her love.

⟹ The mother’s love, while not as grand as the father’s, is always more accessible and open.

* The beauty lies in:

- Using metaphors like “father’s love – towering mountain,” “mother’s love – waters of the East Sea,” highlighting the immense parental love.

- The image of the nine-character is a concrete representation of the father’s and mother’s devotion and the child’s gratitude.

- Language: The use of the word “immense” emphasizes the vastness of parental love.

- Melody: A heartfelt, affectionate tone.

* Similar folk songs include:

- A father’s love is as grand as Mount Tai.

Mother’s love is as vast as the waters of the river.

We honor our parents with full devotion as children.

- A father’s love is vast and deep.

A mother’s love spans the entire sky.

…

Answer to Question 3 (Page 36, 7th Grade Language Textbook, Volume 1):

* Folk Song 2 expresses the emotions of a woman who has married and left her home.

* Analysis of her feelings:

- Time: “In the evening” – evokes sadness and nostalgia, repeated daily, building the feeling of longing for her home and mother.

- Space: “The alley behind” – a lonely, desolate alley, where every evening she stands and gazes towards her hometown. The solitude intensifies her feelings of loneliness.

- Action: “Standing” and “gazing” towards her mother’s home.

- Emotion: “My heart aches for my mother,” showing the depth of her yearning for her mother.

⟹ The daughter’s yearning for her mother in this folk song is profound and full of sorrow.

Answer to Question 4 (Page 36, 7th Grade Language Textbook, Volume 1):

* Folk Song 3 expresses longing and reverence for grandparents.

* Analysis:

- The poet uses metaphorical language, comparing longing to a knot on the roof of a house. This metaphor indicates an infinite, unmeasurable amount of longing.

⟹ The love and remembrance of grandparents are countless.

- The beauty of this expression lies in the use of the phrase “looking up,” showing respect, and the comparison of “longing – knot” conveys not only endless yearning but also the strong familial bonds.

Answer to Question 5 (Page 36, 7th Grade Language Textbook, Volume 1):

* Folk Song 4 describes the warmth of sibling relationships.

Firstly, it’s expressed with words like “together,” “united,” “harmonious,” and “joyful,” emphasizing that siblings are always united and happy with each other.

Then, it uses a metaphor: the affection among siblings is compared to “hands and feet.” Siblings, like hands and feet, must support each other to maintain family happiness and unity.

Especially, the use of simple, familiar words makes the portrayal of sibling bonds relatable and easy to understand.

Answer to Question 6 (Page 36, 7th Grade Language Textbook, Volume 1):

Common artistic elements in all four folk songs include:

- The hexameter poetry form.

- The use of metaphors and comparisons.

- The inclusion of familiar, relatable images from everyday life.

- The language is more about heartfelt communication than formal exchanges.

Practice

Answer to Question 1 (Page 36, 7th Grade Language Textbook, Volume 1):

* The emotions conveyed in the four folk songs are centered around family relationships.

These songs often reflect the words of parents, grandparents, and children to each other, using metaphors and comparisons to express feelings of gratitude, love, and respect for family.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 36, 7th Grade Language Textbook, Volume 1):

Other folk songs with similar themes include:

- A father’s love and mother’s compassion are immense.

They care for their children, raising them with care and love.

- Brothers and sisters, like many bananas on a tree,

Help each other in times of need.

- A mother in a humble hut,

Visits her child every morning and evening with love.

Main Themes:

- Song 1: The immense love and sacrifice of parents.

- Song 2: The profound longing of a daughter for her mother after marriage.

- Song 3: The deep affection for grandparents.

- Song 4: The warm, loving bond among siblings.

I. Key Things to Know About the Genre of Folk Songs - Folk songs, or 'ca dao' in Vietnamese, are a collection of traditional songs that combine lyrics and music, expressing the inner life of individuals. - Folk songs reflect the emotional and sentimental world of people, particularly in social relationships. - Satirical folk songs are notable for their distinctive comedic style found in Vietnamese folk art. - Family love is a typical theme in these songs, often expressing the lullabies sung by mothers, or the advice given by fathers and grandparents to children, or vice versa. II. TEXT ANALYSIS Question 1: Who are the speakers in each folk song, and who are they speaking to? Why do you assert this? Answer: The four folk songs are as follows: - Song 1: This is a lullaby from a mother to her child. Evidence: the call of 'my dear child'. - Song 2: This is a song of a girl who has married far from home, speaking to her mother and her homeland. Evidence: The lyrics focus on 'looking toward the motherland', and the terms 'back alley' and 'by the river' are often associated with women's emotions in folk songs. - Song 3: This is a song from grandchildren to grandparents or family members. Evidence: The imagery of 'the tied bundle' evokes memories of loved ones, specifically grandparents. - Song 4: This is a message from adults (grandparents, parents, relatives) to younger members of the family, or from siblings sharing their emotions, often in the form of advice or consolation. Question 2: What feelings does Song 1 convey? What makes its language, imagery, and melody effective? Find other folk songs that express similar themes of parental love. Answer: Song 1 conveys a profound and sacred feeling of gratitude toward parents. The song reminds children of their parents' immense sacrifices, urging them not to forget their parents' love. The beauty of the song lies in the use of comparisons, where the father's love is compared to the towering mountains and the mother's love to the vast ocean. Mountains and oceans symbolize immense, boundless, and eternal love. The father is portrayed as firm and imposing, like a mountain, while the mother is gentle and nurturing, like the ocean. This comparison matches each parent's unique traits. The symmetrical structure of the song enhances the feeling of balance between the father's and mother's love. The abstract concept of 'love' is made tangible by the metaphor of the 'nine-character island', which allows anyone to grasp the depth of parental love. The use of the soft and sweet 'six-eight' verse form adds warmth and tenderness, much like a lullaby. A similar folk song with a theme of parental love is: "A father's love is like Mount Tai, A mother's love is like the flowing river. Honor your parents with all your heart, Only then can you fulfill the duty of a child." Question 3: Song 2 expresses the feelings of a woman married far from her homeland. Describe her emotions through the imagery of time, space, actions, and her inner thoughts. Answer: Song 2 reflects the longing and nostalgia of a woman who has married far away from home. The time 'in the evening' is significant, as this is a moment of solitude and introspection, commonly associated with feelings of sadness and yearning. The woman stands alone in the 'back alley', a place that is quiet and empty, which reflects her isolation and sadness. The back alley, as a place away from others, heightens the feeling of solitude and personal sorrow. The song portrays the woman's inner longing as she 'looks toward her motherland', concerned for the well-being of her aging parents and her home. It also hints at the sadness of leaving behind her youth and the sorrow of being a daughter-in-law in a new family. The song evokes feelings of deep affection and sorrow, reminding listeners of the love and pain that come with separation. Question 4: Song 3 conveys the emotional bond and respect for grandparents. How is this feeling expressed, and what makes it effective? Answer: The song expresses the warmth and respect the speaker feels for their grandparents through both action and metaphor. The act of 'looking up' symbolizes respect and reverence. The comparison of 'the tied bundle' is a simple yet profound image, representing the connection to the family and the work that grandparents did in the past, like tying the bamboo slats of a house. This bundle symbolizes the warmth and love passed down by the grandparents. The repeated phrase 'as much as... so much' emphasizes the depth of the speaker's love and respect, reflecting the infinite nature of familial love. This repetition is effective in conveying the overwhelming emotions of nostalgia and gratitude. Question 5: In Song 4, how is the bond between siblings expressed? What lesson does the song teach? Answer: The bond between siblings is expressed as one of shared experiences and deep connection, emphasizing unity through phrases like 'sharing the same parents' and 'living in the same house'. These phrases highlight the close relationship between siblings, not just by blood but through mutual experiences and memories. The comparison of siblings to 'hands and feet' shows the inseparable and essential nature of this relationship. Just as hands and feet are vital parts of the body, siblings are essential to one another, sharing a deep, unbreakable bond. This metaphor also reinforces the importance of love and support within the family. The folk song reminds us that we should cherish and support our siblings, as they are the ones who will always stand by us. Question 6: What artistic techniques are used in all four folk songs? Answer: The common artistic techniques used in all four folk songs include: - The use of the 'six-eight' verse form. - The frequent use of metaphors and comparisons. - The use of familiar and everyday imagery from daily life. - A focus on emotional expression and inner feelings, rather than direct dialogue, creating a more introspective tone. III. PRACTICE Question 1: What emotions are conveyed in the four folk songs? What is your opinion about these emotions? Answer: The four folk songs express deep familial emotions, particularly the love and gratitude towards parents, siblings, and grandparents. These emotions are often subtle, profound, and sincere, reflecting the sentiments of working people in their daily lives. Question 2: Find and transcribe other folk songs that share similar themes to the ones learned in the textbook. Answer: Some similar folk songs include: 1. 'Having a father and mother is better, Without them, life feels incomplete.' 2. 'While my father lives, my heart is at ease, When he passes, my heart is heavy and sorrowful.' 3. 'A child with a father is like a house with a roof, Without a father, the child is like a fish without fins.' 4. 'No matter where I go, I can't leave my elderly mother, Who will fix my pillow and bring me tea?' 5. 'Every night, I light a lamp in the sky, Praying for my parents to live long.' 6. 'In the evening, I look around, But I can’t find my mother, feeling a deep sense of longing.' 7. 'Every evening, I gather herbs, I look up at my mother’s grave, feeling an ache in my heart.'