Understanding Local Cultures
-Vietnam-
“Tình thân” - (KINSHIP)
Cultural Norms and Etiquette
Understanding Social Behaviors and Customs: Vietnamese culture emphasizes respect, humility, and community. Social interactions are often rooted in politeness, modesty, and maintaining harmony.
Respect for Elders: Elders hold a significant place in Vietnamese culture. Showing respect to older individuals through deferential speech and gestures is highly valued, and it's customary to greet elders first in any setting.
Common Practices in Communication, Greetings, and Hospitality: Politeness and humility are reflected in daily communication and greetings.
Greetings: A handshake is common in business and formal settings, usually accompanied by a slight bow of the head. In more casual situations, a friendly smile or a nod is acceptable. Use both hands when offering or receiving items, like business cards, to show respect.
Indirect Communication: Vietnamese tend to avoid direct refusals and may give subtle or vague responses to preserve harmony and avoid confrontation. Reading between the lines is sometimes necessary, as a "yes" may not always indicate full agreement.
Expectations in Different Settings: The level of formality and etiquette may change based on whether you're at home, work, or in public.
Homes: When visiting a Vietnamese home, always remove your shoes before entering. It's polite to bring a small gift (e.g., fruit, tea) for the host, and you may be invited to share a meal—be sure to wait until the host begins eating before you do.
Businesses: Formality is expected in business settings. Business cards are exchanged with both hands and should be examined briefly before being put away. Hierarchical respect is important, so address the most senior person first and wait to be invited to sit.
Public Spaces: In public areas, maintaining a calm demeanor is appreciated. Loudness or public displays of affection may be viewed as disrespectful or inappropriate, so it's best to remain composed and reserved.
Cultural No-No’s
Avoiding Cultural Missteps: Respect for traditions and customs is crucial in Vietnam, and certain actions can be offensive or disrespectful.
Don’t Point or Gesture Aggressively: Pointing at people or things with your finger is seen as rude. Use your entire hand to gesture instead, and never point your feet toward a person, religious item, or statue, as the feet are considered the lowest and least clean part of the body.
Avoid Public Displays of Anger: Losing your temper, shouting, or showing frustration in public is considered highly inappropriate. Keeping calm and saving face is important, and disagreements should be handled privately and with respect.
Behaviors Considered Rude or Taboo: Certain customs may not be immediately obvious to foreigners but are important to respect in daily life.
Touching the Head: The head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body in Vietnamese culture. Avoid touching someone's head, including children, as it is seen as intrusive and disrespectful.
Standing with Hands on Hips: This posture can be interpreted as aggressive or confrontational. Keep your hands relaxed by your sides or folded in front of you when standing.
Navigating Sensitive Situations as a Foreigner: While Vietnamese people are generally understanding of cultural differences, knowing how to respond to sensitive situations can help you integrate smoothly.
Dress Modestly in Rural or Sacred Areas: When visiting temples or rural villages, cover shoulders and knees. Dressing modestly is a sign of respect and will help you avoid unwanted attention or offending locals.
Refusing Food or Drink Politely: If offered food or drink, it’s polite to accept at least a small portion as a sign of respect. If you must refuse, do so gently, with a smile and a phrase like "không, cảm ơn" ("no, thank you"), to avoid offending your host.