già làng

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The Vietnamese word "già làng" translates to "village patriarch" in English. It refers to an elder or respected leader in a village, often someone who has significant influence and authority in the community. This person is usually older and has gained the respect of the villagers due to their wisdom, experience, and knowledge about traditions and customs.

Usage Instructions:

• "Già làng" is typically used in the context of rural communities where traditional structures and roles are still important.
• You can use it when talking about community decisions, cultural events, or when referring to someone with leadership qualities in a village.

Example:

• "Trong làng, già làng luôn được mọi người tôn trọng và lắng nghe ý kiến." (In the village, the village patriarch is always respected and listened to by everyone.)

Advanced Usage:

• In discussions about local governance or community issues, you might refer to "già làng" as a figure of authority who mediates conflicts or provides guidance.
• In storytelling or historical contexts, "già làng" can symbolize the wisdom of elders and the importance of tradition in Vietnamese culture.

Word Variants:

• "Già" means "old" or "elder," and "làng" means "village." Therefore, you may encounter similar terms that combine "già" with other words to refer to elders in different contexts, such as "già mường" (Mường elder) or "già bản" (tribal elder).

Different Meanings:

• While "già làng" specifically means village patriarch, "già" on its own can refer more generally to old people or elders, without the specific connotation of leadership.

Academic

1. Village patriarch