Dương Văn Ngộ: The Last Public Letter Writer of Vietnam
Dương Văn Ngộ (Vietnamese: [jɨəŋ˧˧ vaŋ˧˧ ŋow˨˩˨]; 3 March 1930 – 1 August 2023) was a renowned Vietnamese postal worker and polyglot public letter writer, leaving an indelible mark in the world of letters and translations in Vietnam.
Early Life and Education
Ngộ was born on 3 March 1930 in Phú Lâm, District 6, Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), as the fifth of six children in a family with Hoa (Vietnamese Chinese) ancestry. Despite humble beginnings, he managed to secure a place in the prestigious Petrus Ký High School (now Lê Hồng Phong High School For The Gifted) in 1942. Ngộ's journey into the postal world began when, at 16 years old, he started working at the Thị Nghè district post office.
A Career Dedicated to Postal Service
In 1948, Ngộ officially became an employee at the Saigon Central Post Office, where he initially sorted letters into boxes. Over time, he took on various roles and was even transferred temporarily to the Ministry of Transport and Post. At 36, Ngộ seized the opportunity to learn English and French provided by the post office, broadening his linguistic horizons.
In 1990, when eligible for retirement, Ngộ chose to serve in the public letter-writing service, a field he saw as a labor of love and a means to promote Vietnam globally. As the last remaining writer in the service, he continued to write letters and provide valuable tourist information, showcasing his dedication to the craft.
Language Proficiency and Global Outreach
Ngộ exhibited exceptional linguistic abilities, being proficient in reading and writing letters in German, French, English, and his native Vietnamese. Since 1990, he wrote letters to recipients worldwide, promoting Vietnam and maintaining a global network.
Later Years and Retirement
In 2021, Ngộ was compelled to retire due to his advancing age and diminishing senses. Despite this, he attempted to continue working, a testament to his passion for his profession.
Personal Life and Legacy
Ngộ married a woman also born in 1930, and together they had six children. He took great pride in their academic achievements. On 1 August 2023, at the age of 93, Dương Văn Ngộ passed away, leaving behind a legacy as the longest-serving public letter writer in Vietnam.
Recognition and Impact
Ngộ gained widespread recognition for his invaluable contribution to the field of letter writing. He received various titles and awards, including being officially recognized by the Vietnam Records Book Center as the longest-serving public letter writer in 2009. Ngộ's presence became synonymous with the Saigon Central Post Office, and he was featured in international media outlets. His meeting with Herman Van Rompuy, then-President of the European Council, in 2012 marked a highlight in his illustrious career, further highlighting the impact of his work. Dương Văn Ngộ's legacy continues to live on as a hallmark of the Saigon Central Post Office.
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