| Sumario: | This study examines the role of literature in representing the Thái ethnic group in Vietnam, with a focus on Vương Trung's novel Mối tình Mường Sinh. Despite Vietnam's rich cultural diversity, the Thái people face marginalisation, and their literature remains underexplored. This paper examines Mối tình Mường Sinh (1994), the first novel in Thái literature written in Vietnamese and published in Vietnam. As the inaugural novel in Thái literary history, it holds significant cultural and literary value. This article, to the author's best knowledge, represents the first English-language study of this pivotal work. Vương Trung's storytelling illuminates Thái social dynamics and cultural practices, bridging Thái traditions with modern Vietnamese literature. His work enriches Vietnam's literary heritage while preserving and celebrating the cultural identity of the Thái ethnic group. Vương Trung's writing reflects an educational mission that, unfortunately, did not achieve its intended impact. He can thus be considered a minority voice within the majority discourse. Yet, his pioneering efforts lay the groundwork for future recognition. His legacy will certainly have resounding echoes in the, hopefully, near future, once the culture and literary Weltanschauung of the Thái people obtain the recognition they deserve.
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