U5. History

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Did you read history books as a child?

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I didn't read any history books when I was little. I think it is something you get into more when you get older. Although, I suppose fairytales are historical stories with princesses in castles and things.

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Do you like history?

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I enjoy visiting historical places and reading books in a historical setting. However, I'm not really into studying it at school, the teacher doesn't make it very engaging. I'd rather watch a documentary on telly.

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Do you know much about your town's history?

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I have learnt a little about the history of Hanoi, the city where I was born. Hanoi has a very long and rich history, dating back to the 11th century when it was established as the capital of Vietnam. It has been an important cultural and political center over the centuries, witnessing many dynasties and wars.

Although I don't know all the details, I'm fascinated by Hanoi's evolution from a small riverside settlement to the vibrant, modern city it is today.

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Which countries still have a monarchy today? Can you name any current or past kings and queens?

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When was the last time you read a book about history?

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I suppose earlier last month when I picked up a book called “.......” by ........ It’s about ............ But I didn’t manage to get that much into it because, well, other things happened. I had to .....................

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Have you visited any history museums?

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Hmm... not really. I've been to the Vietnam Museum of History in Hanoi once or twice when I was in high school, but honestly, I found it quite boring. I'm more of a tech person, you know? I prefer spending my free time at cafes or shopping malls with my friends rather than looking at old artifacts and reading about historical events.

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Do you like watching documentaries/movies related to history?

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Actually no, I tend to skip historical content whether it's movies or documentaries. They're usually quite slow-paced and, to be honest, I have trouble keeping track of all the dates and names. I much prefer watching modern dramas or action movies on Netflix - they're more entertaining and easier to follow. Even when my friends recommend historical films like "The Imitation Game" or war documentaries, I usually pass on those suggestions.

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What historical event do you find most interesting?

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Well, even though I'm not really into history, I'd say I find the Internet revolution quite fascinating - if we can consider it a historical event. You know, how we went from barely having mobile phones in the late 90s to now having everything at our fingertips. I've seen how it changed my parents' lifestyle and my own life too. It's amazing how we used to write letters before, but now we can instantly video call someone on the other side of the world. I guess I find it interesting because it's more relevant to my daily life than events from hundreds of years ago.

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Do you think history is important?

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Yes, I do think it's important, even though it's not my cup of tea. You know, it's kind of like eating vegetables - you might not enjoy it, but you know it's good for you!

History helps us understand why things are the way they are today. For example, even though I'm not a history buff, I can see how my country's past has shaped our culture and relationships with neighboring countries. But I have to admit, I prefer focusing on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past. I think knowing the basics is enough for most people like me who work in modern industries.

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Do you think the Internet is a good place to learn about history?

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That's actually an interesting question. From my experience, yes and no. The Internet learning history much more easier - like those short TikTok videos explaining historical events in just a few minutes, or YouTube channels that use cool animations.

However, I've heard from my teacher friends that there's a lot of incorrect information online. Anyone can post anything, right?

But for casual learners like me, I think online resources make history more accessible and interesting.