Asian Culture Brief: Overview of Vietnam culture

[ASEAN NOW News]

The purpose of this brief, is to present viewers with a quick overview of the Vietnam culture and to introduce references that will provide more in-depth perspectives.

 

Respect

 

This is the guiding principle of all relationships. It is conveyed through language and demeanor.

 

(File photo)

 

At home, one is expected to show respect to parents and family members. Outside the home, it is shown to elderly people, teachers, and other authority figures.

 

By showing respect to others, individuals indicate their expectation that they will be treated with respect due to their age, social status, or authoritative position.

 

Respect is earned by leading a virtuous life, fulfilling filial and social duties, accomplishing heroic deeds, and attaining a high degree of intellectuality.

 

Education

 

Education, valued more than material wealth and success, is the pillar of the culture and begins at home.

An uneducated rich person is regarded as inferior to a learned person who is poor.

 

In the traditional social system, the scholar is at the top of the social hierarchy, followed by the farmer, the artisan, and the tradesman.

 

Parents are responsible for the education of their children.

 

Family

 

Traditionally, children were taught to forsake themselves and make sacrifices to ensure the family’s welfare and harmony.

 

Allegiance to one’s family was absolute and included fulfilling one’s responsibilities and proper conduct (i.e., moderation, modesty, moral probity, self-control).

 

The traditional family has been changing as a result of communist ideology, economic forces, migration, and assimilation of western culture.

 

Traditionally, the father has been responsible for the well-being of family members and the ultimate decision-maker and provider.

 

Grandparents and elder relatives within the household often share authority with the father.

 

Hierarchy of authority also exists among siblings.

 

The oldest son of the family has the most authority and it is his duty to look after the siblings if the parents are deceased.

 

Familial duties and obligations extend to the extended family and beyond.

 

Ancestor worship, for example, is a form of filial piety and children are responsible for the maintenance of the ancestral tombs and pay homage to ancestors’ spirits at home.

 

Communication

 

Vietnamese often appear to be reserved, non-responsive, or non-assertive by Western standards.

 

Children are taught to be modest and reserved in speech and manner.

 

They are encouraged to think deeply before speaking.

 

It is believed that useless and excessive verbal expressions can create discord and animosity.

 

Hasty words and slips of the tongue are considered to be as detrimental as hasty actions and bad deeds.

 

The use of proper language conveys respect and helps create harmonious relationships with others.

 

Non-verbal communication is important in conveying respect. It is often used to reinforce linguistic expressions.

 

The following are examples of non-verbal communication that may be misinterpreted by Westerners:

 

• Direct eye contact with parents, teachers, or authority means a challenge and should be avoided (note: providers are considered authority figures).

 

• Direct eye contact with someone of the other sex can be interpreted as deep passion and should be discouraged, especially in public settings.

 

• Children are taught to remain silent and listen attentively when speaking to someone older or to an authority figure and not to talk back or ask questions.

 

• Asking questions or disagreeing with an authoritative speaker is like challenging the senior person's social status.

 

We hope these observations are helpful but do feel free to add any further comments.

 

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