Customs and Taboos In Viet Nam
- How do people greet each other when meeting for the first time?
Vietnamese people generally greet each other by shaking hands and bowing slightly to each other. When greeting someone, say “Xin Chao” (seen chow) + given name + title. The Vietnamese are delighted if a Westerner can properly say “Xin Chao.” In rural areas, some people bow in traditional style by clasping their hands above their waist and bowing.
- Are greeting customs different for men and women ? How?
When greeting one another, men gently shake hands and bow slightly. Women bow slightly and nod.
In urban areas, modernized young men and women shake hands. Hugging is reserved for relatives and some certain cases only.
3. What are some do’s and don’ts for table manner?
- The oldest person should be sitten and be served first.
- Wait to be shown where to sit.
- You have to invite who older than you before eating. ( Mời cả nhà ăn cơm, mời chú ăn cơm,…)
It means showing your politeness before eating in someone's house, and it is necessary.
- Pass dishes or bowls with both hands. People often hold bowls close to their faces when eating.
- Chopsticks should be placed on the table when chewing foods or breaking to drink or speak. Don’t talk while chewing food.
- Don't place idle chopsticks in a bowl. Chopsticks sticking up from a bowl symbolizes death. That’s a symbol customary respect the deceased.
- Hold the spoon in your left hand while eating soup. Don't hold the bowl and slurp what was left in your bowl. But remember to finish all the foods in your bowl.
- Cover your mouth when using a toothpick*. And remember to say "thank you" to host after the meal.
4. What are some taboo conversation topics?
Avoid discussions about politics, death or sexual matters and don’t make jokes about Ho Chi Minh.
Do not ask personal private questions like: ‘How old are you?’, ‘Are you married?’, ‘Do you have children? Why not? ‘How much money do you earn per month ?’ Especially with women, don’t ask about their weight.
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