Abstract

Place names constitute a valuable source of information about the formation, development, and cultural values of a community. Based on a survey of the place-name system in the former Tra Vinh Province, this article examines the spiritual cultural characteristics of the Vietnamese people as reflected in geographical names. The findings indicate that these place names embody various aspects of local beliefs, religions, customs, traditions, ideologies, moral values, and folklore, as well as processes of cultural exchange and acculturation. Accordingly, the study of place names contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural identity of the Vietnamese community in Tra Vinh and provides a foundation for preserving and promoting local cultural values.

Keywords: Intangible culture, place names, Tra Vinh Province, Vietnamese people.