Echoes of a Decade in Annam: A Journey Through Chen Tianjie’s Memoirs
A Decade of Discovery in Indochina
Introduction
"Memories of Ten Years in Vietnam (Annam)" is a poignant memoir by Chen Tianjie, reflecting on his life in Cholon and Saigon between 1922 and 1931. Arriving at the age of sixteen, Chen captures a pivotal era when the Chinese diaspora deeply influenced the social and economic landscape of French-controlled Vietnam.
The Structural Fabric: A Table of Contents Analysis
The memoir is organized into several thematic sections that paint a comprehensive picture of the "Nanyang" experience:
Historical Overview of Overseas Chinese in Vietnam: A look at the transition from "Central Plains migrants" during the Qin and Han dynasties to the political refugees of the Ming-Qing transition.
The Rise of Cholon (Ti'an): How a desolate riverbank was transformed into a bustling commercial hub by Chinese settlers fleeing the turmoil of the Tay Son rebellion.
Governance under the French: Details on the "Bang" (Congregation) system, where the French utilized five Chinese dialect groups (Fujian, Cantonese, Teochew, Hainanese, and Hakka) for administrative control.
Economic Contributions: The dominance of Chinese merchants in the rice industry, particularly the "Five Big Rice Mills" that fueled the local economy.
Education and Culture: The establishment of schools like the Suicheng School and the preservation of Chinese traditions in a colonial setting.
Social Customs and Anecdotes: Unique cultural observations, including the "La Liao" (grass hut) childbirth customs and the legendary efficacy of Chinese medicine.
Quotable Quotes: Wisdom and Observation
Chen’s writing is noted for its sincerity and its focus on the symbiotic relationship between the Chinese and Vietnamese people.
On the Origins of Cholon: "The place now known as Cholon was originally a deserted area of weeds and marshes... Chinese merchants built embankments, constructed streets, and gathered there for trade, hence the name 'Ti'an' (Embankment)."
On the Unity of the Diaspora: "Among the five 'Bangs', although they were established separately, they frequently communicated and helped one another in public welfare and disaster relief."
On the Efficacy of Traditional Medicine: "Even some French people believed that Chinese medicine and herbs possessed an 'inconceivable divine effect'." — Regarding the story of a teacher who saved his leg from amputation thanks to a Chinese bone-setter.
On Cultural Integration: "Vietnamese people saw that Chinese families gave birth within their own homes, and they were gradually influenced to eliminate the superstition [of the grass huts]."
Conclusion
Chen Tianjie’s memoir serves as a vital historical bridge, reminding us that the story of the Overseas Chinese in Vietnam is one of resilience, innovation, and profound cultural exchange.
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