Renowned culturalist Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc has tragically passed away.
Cultural Trailblazer Nguyễn Hựu Ngọc Passes Away at Age 107
Ha Noi - The intellectual titan and cross-cultural bridge, Nguyễn Hựu Ngọc, has left us at the ripe age of 107. Hailing from Ha Noi in 1918, this polyglot scholar was a whiz in languages including French, English, German, and classical Han Chinese. He dedicated his life to penning over 30 enlightening texts on Vietnamese culture in English and French, leveraging these works to paint a stunning picture of Vietnam for the international audience.
Ngọc's influence didn't stop at books. He graced magazines, newspapers, and translation projects with his profound insights, showcasing his tireless dedication and infectious passion for cultural exchange. As a columnist for Việt Nam News for nearly two decades, Ngọc entertained readers with thought-provoking insights on various topics.
In 2020, Ngọc stunned everyone by unleashing a monumental research book, comprising two volumes loaded with nearly 1,000 pages that illuminate the lives and ideas of over 180 luminaries from East and West, sprawling across various fields. Not only a groundbreaking academic work, this magnum opus represents the culmination of a lifetime of research – a labor of love intended to introduce Vietnamese culture to the world and vice versa.
Apart from authoring, Ngọc was a skilled translator, transforming numerous foreign literary and cultural works from English and French into Vietnamese[1][3]. The most iconic of these translations is Grimm's Fairy Tales[3].
Cultural scholar Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc is the author of over 30 valuable books on our websiteese culture in English and French. - File photo
Noteworthy Works
Among his impressive cultural anthologies are Phác Thảo Chân Dung Văn Hóa Pháp (Sketches of French Culture), Mảnh Trời Bắc Aû (North European Skies), Văn Hóa Thụy Điển (Swedish Culture), Hồ Sơ Văn Hóa Mỹ (Cultural Profiles of America), Phác Thȁo Chân Dung Văn Hóa Viêt Nam (Sketches of Vietnamese Culture), and Khám Phá Văn Hóa Viêt Nam (Exploring Vietnamese Culture)[1][4].
Throughout his career, Ngọc held prestigious positions as editor-in-chief for foreign-language newspapers, with Tia Lua, Vietnam Advances, and Vietnamese Studies among them. He also served as Director of Vietnam’s Foreign Languages Publishing House for a considerable time[3].
Recognition and Awards
Cultural scholar Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc received Bùi Xuân Phái Grand Prize for Love of Hà Nội in 2017. - Photo thethaovanhoa.vn
Due to his significant contributions to cultural exchange and in-depth academic work, Nguyễn Hựu Ngọc was bestowed with various accolades, including Vietnam's Order of Independence, France's Order of Academic Palms, Sweden's Order of the Polar Star, and the Vietnam National Book Award[1][3]. Furthermore, he was honored with the Vietnam Book Gold Award in 2006, the Vietnam Book Bronze Award in 2015, the Vietnam National Book Award in 2017, the GADIF Award in 2008 from the group of Francophone embassies and organizations in Vietnam, the Vietnam National First Prize in 2015 for Foreign Information, and the Bùi Xuân Phái Grand Prize for Love of Ha Noi in 2017[4].
Ngọc's groundbreaking efforts in cultural exchange and deep understanding of various languages positioned him as a revered figure in both Vietnamese and international intellectual circles[2][4]. As he passed on May 2, 2025, this titan of cultural enrichment and intellectualism leaves an indelible legacy for us all[3][4].
Nguyễn Hựu Ngọc's impact extended beyond books and cultural anthologies. He was also involved in academic research, publishing a comprehensive book in 2020, titled "Lives and Ideas of Over 180 Luminaries from East and West," which spanned two volumes and nearly 1,000 pages.
Ngọc's passion for cross-cultural exchange was evident in his work as a translator, with notable translations such as Grimm's Fairy Tales from English to Vietnamese.
In recognition of his significant contributions to cultural exchange and academic work, Ngoệc received prestigious awards such as Vietnam's Order of Independence, France's Order of Academic Palms, Sweden's Order of the Polar Star, and the Vietnam National Book Award, among others.
To further one's personal growth and learning, one can explore Ngọc's extensive body of work, which offers rich insights into various cultures, education, and self-development. His books serve as a testament to his lifelong dedication to bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding between nations.
