Language/Vietnamese/Culture/Social-Etiquette
Հայերէն
Български език
官话
官話
Hrvatski jezik
Český jazyk
Nederlands
English
Suomen kieli
Français
Deutsch
עברית
हिन्दी
Magyar
Bahasa Indonesia
فارسی
Italiano
日本語
Қазақ тілі
한국어
Lietuvių kalba
Νέα Ελληνικά
Şimali Azərbaycanlılar
Język polski
Português
Limba Română
Русский язык
Српски
Español
العربية القياسية
Svenska
Wikang Tagalog
தமிழ்
ภาษาไทย
Türkçe
Українська мова
Urdu
As a Vietnamese language teacher of 20 years, one of the most important aspects of learning Vietnamese culture is understanding appropriate social behavior. In this lesson, we will discuss the basic social etiquette you need to know when interacting with Vietnamese people.
Meeting People
When meeting someone for the first time, it's important to show respect by using the appropriate title for their age and gender. The most common titles are "anh" (older brother), "chi" (older sister), "em" (younger sibling), or "co" (aunt) and "chu" (uncle).
Additionally, a handshake is a common greeting in Vietnamese culture, particularly in business situations.
Table Manners
Vietnamese cuisine has a unique blend of flavors and textures, and there are certain rules to follow when eating with others. It's important to wait until everyone has been served before beginning to eat, and it's traditional to wait for the oldest person at the table to begin eating before you start.
Using chopsticks is common in Vietnam, and it's important to use them correctly. They should be held towards their back end, and used to pick up food, rather than being used to point or wave around in the air. When placing chopsticks down, they should be placed across the edge of the bowl or on a chopstick rest.
Gift Giving
Gift giving is an important aspect of Vietnamese culture, particularly during holidays and special occasions. When giving a gift, it's customary to use both hands, and to present the gift with the palms facing up. Accepting a gift should be done with both hands as well, and with a slight bow. It's also important to choose an appropriate gift, such as fruit, flowers or tea.
Other Considerations
Aside from these specific situations, there are other general social norms to be aware of. It's important to maintain eye contact when speaking, as it shows interest and respect. Additionally, it's important to dress modestly and conservatively, particularly when visiting temples or other religious sites.
Overall, showing respect, kindness and appropriate behavior is paramount in Vietnamese culture.
Sources: