Shrinking Cultural Spaces: Consequences for the Cultural Practices of Ethnic Minorities in the Central Highlands.

In the context of globalization and rapid economic development, the culturalspaces of ethnic minority communities are facing significant challenges. Thisstudy focuses on changes in cultural spaces to clarify the contributing factors,including economic development policies and urbanization processes, thathave affected the living and cultural environments of ethnic communities.These changes have led to population displacement, forced resettlement, anddisruptions in the cultural lives of ethnic minorities. The specific objective ofthis research is to identify the primary causes of this cultural space shrinkageand to analyze the direct consequences for the cultural and spiritual life of thecommunities. The study focuses on ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands,including the Êđê, Gia Rai, Mnông, and Ba Na peoples. By analyzing specificcases of the disappearance of traditional cultural spaces, the research willclarify the impacts on cultural activities such as gong festivals, spiritualrituals, and various forms of folk art. Additionally, the study will assess therole of cultural conservation policies in protecting and promoting thetraditional cultural values of ethnic minorities in the context of modernization.A qualitative research methodology will be employed, with in-depthinterviews conducted with cultural experts and local residents. This approachaims to provide a deeper understanding of the ongoing changes and thechallenges ethnic minority communities face in maintaining and preservingtheir traditional culture. The results of the study are intended to provideimportant foundations for developing appropriate cultural conservationpolicies, contributing to the preservation and promotion of ethnic minoritycultural identity in the context of sustainable economic development inVietnam.