...Thi Tuyet Minh A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY OF DAILY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE VIETNAMESE AND AMERICANS OUTLINE Introduction Vietnamese - American cross-cultural communication: 1. Theories of intercultural communication 2. Vietnamese vs. American perceptions and communication styles 2.1 Vietnamese vs. American perceptions 2.1.1 Individualistic vs. collectivistic cultures 2.1.2 High- vs. low-context cultures 2.1.3 Face-saving 2.2. Vietnamese vs. American communication styles 2.2.1 Ways of greetings 2.2.2 Topics for conversation 2.2.3 Silence and Eye contact 2.2.4 Touching 2.2.5 Other nonverbal gestures 3. Cross-cultural communication strategies Conclusion Introduction Cross-cultural encounters have long provided a great source of interest for research. Globalization has increased contact between people from different cultures, but it has not evened out cultural differences as much as expected. The divergence of perspectives continues to survive in communication between people from different cultures such as Vietnamese and American. This paper aims to address the issues of intercultural communication between the Vietnamese and Americans in daily life. By juxtaposing the main traits of the two cultures while some common cultural misinterpretations are listed, I wish to give a comprehensive look at the Vietnamese- American daily communication...
Words: 2793 - Pages: 12
...1 AMERICANS DOING BUSINESS IN VIETNAM: COMMUNICATION DIFFERENCES by Katrine Syppli Kohl COM 9656: International Business Communication Fall 2007 This paper focuses on differences that are likely to cause problems for U.S. American managers operating in Vietnam. At first, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions of power distance, individualism, and longterm orientation are used to pinpoint key differences in Vietnamese and American business culture (Hofstede, 2001). Second, stable and transitional concepts of culture are delineated as they apply to the topic. Finally, areas of communication are discussed that benefit from special attention because of differences between Vietnamese and American culture. Value Dimensions Hofstede’s original cultural dimensions were power distance (PDI), individualism (IDV), masculinity (MAS), and uncertainty avoidance (UAI); later, long-term orientation (LTO) was added as a fifth dimension (2001). When comparing the United States with Vietnam, the three dimensions of power distance, individualism, and long-term orientation differ most significantly (see Figure 1). Figure 1. Comparison of value orientations: United States versus Vietnam (ITIM International, 2003). Power-distance according to Adler and Gundersen (2008) “reflects the extend to which less powerful members of organizations accept an unequal distribution of power” (p. 54). In countries such as Vietnam where high power-distance are paired with a low uncertainty avoidance, employees view their ...
Words: 2697 - Pages: 11
...the Vietnamese and American workplace Phạm Thanh Huyền University of Languages and International Studies M.A Thesis: English teaching methodolody, Code: 60 14 10 Supervisor : Phan Thị Vân Quyên, M.A Year of graduation: 2012 Abstract: Facing the fact that more and more Vietnamese and Americans have to work with each other due to the globalization, this study has been carried out to investigate and describe the Vietnamese and American communication style at the workplace. Data were obtained from 30 Vietnamese and 30 Americans who have experience working with foreigners (i.e. Americans and Vietnamese) in different companies. After analyzing and discussing the results of the survey, a number of potential problems experienced by Vietnamese and Americans when communicating were revealed. Based on these barriers, the study provided some concluding remarks of this study. Though the research is in small scale and cannot cover all problems faced by Vietnamese and Americans in intercultural working environment, the author of this study hopes that it will contribute to identifying the problems Vietnamese and Americans may experience and help their communication become easier and more effective. Keywords: Tiếng Anh; Giao tiếp; Giao tiếp nơi công sở Content CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1. Rationale In recent years many researchers in applied linguistics and professionals working for an international company have emphasised the importance of knowledge of different cultures and they agree that...
Words: 5064 - Pages: 21
...We chose this topic because we've always been interested in the Secret Army, General Vang Pao, Hmong culture, and its history. When we talk about the Vietnam war in school they do not mention anything about General Vang Pao or the Secret Army. This inspired us to pick this topic and teach everybody about Hmong history. In school, it is very mysterious that very few people know about the Secret Army and General Vang Pao helping the Hmong people cross into Thailand. Also, Vang Pao helped the Americans fight against the Vietnamese by teaching them Morse code to communicate and taught them guerrilla warfare. Vang Pao is a person who every Hmong person looks up too; every Hmong person thinks of him as their role model. This is why we chose this topic, because he took a stand by helping Hmong people cross the Mekong river into Thailand....
Words: 481 - Pages: 2
...RMIT International University Vietnam Bachelor of Commerce Program ASSIGNMENT COVER PAGE Your assessment will not be accepted unless all fields below are completed |Subject Code: |BUSM3311 | |Subject Name: |INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT | |Location where you study: |RMIT Vietnam – City Campus | |Title of Assignment: |Literature Review | |File(s) Submitted |BUSM3311_G2_s3245939_LiteratureReview_Negotiation.docx | |Student name: |Nguyen Van Thanh | |Student Number: |S3245939 | |Student Email Address: |s3245939@rmit.edu.vn | |Learning Facilitator in charge: |PETER TRAN | |Assignment due date: |16/5/2011 ...
Words: 4855 - Pages: 20
...Vietnam: To Draft or Not To Draft Debate Questions What is the role of the media during a war and was this role effectively fulfilled during the Vietnam War? Does the Selective Service Act address the need for an effective fighting military in the U.S.? How or how not? How would a draft affect morale of soldiers? Looking at the soldier’s experience in Vietnam, how would a draft today affect soldiers both during and after a modern conflict? If the U.S. enacted the draft today, what would the American public response be? Would this have a positive or negative impact on the U.S. overall? If a draft were reinstated today, how might domestic issues in the U.S. be influenced? How would domestic issues such as the economy, political leadership and contemporary American culture influence foreign policy either with or without a draft? Is an all-volunteer military a more effective fighting force? Why or why not? Is it an American’s patriotic duty to serve in the military during their lifetime? Would a powerful, drafted military force enhance or impair U.S. foreign relations? According to the Selective Service Act, men ages 18 to 26 must register. Should women be required to register as well? Enacting a draft is the best solution for engage American youth in domestic and foreign politics. How do veterans contribute to American society upon their return, and are their contributions defined by whether...
Words: 364 - Pages: 2
...American Red Cross Organizational Behavior and Communication American Red Cross Organizational Behavior and Communication “Inspired by the International Red Cross movement established to provide assistance to wounded soldiers, the American Red Cross was established in 1881 by Clara Barton and a number of her acquaintances” (Peerbolte, 2011, p. 17). The mission of the American Red Cross remains largely focused on military service members. However, the organization has expanded on its initial purpose. “The American Red Cross was mandated by a modified congressional charter in 1905 to provide assistance to those wounded by war, provide communication between military service members and their loved ones, and to provide assistance to those impacted by disasters” (Peerbolte, 2011, p. 17). The American Red Cross is also a national leader in blood donation services and health and safety training. As a non-profit organization, the Red Cross relies on national volunteers. “Although closely associated with the U.S. government in pursuit of its goals, the Red Cross is an entirely independent volunteer-led organization that is supported by voluntary public contributions and cost-reimbursement charges” (Christie, 2011, para. 1). Organizational Culture “Organizational culture refers to a system of shared meaning held by members that distinguishes the organization from other organizations” (Robbins & Judge, 2011...
Words: 1275 - Pages: 6
...INTERCULTURAL BUSINESS COMMUNICATION Introduction Due to globalisation and the rapid development of multinational firms, intercultural communication poses new challenges to the managers. In specific, the companies who extended their businesses in foreign countries faced the cross-cultural communication problem, where greater the cultural difference is more likely problem in communication. In order to achieve the goal of the organisation by the way of communicating with each other, it is an important approach for the organisation success, especially for firms that operate with subsidiaries in other countries. However, it is imperative to understand the diverse culture in an efficient way of cross-cultural communication to achieve the firm success (Bennis & Nannis, 1985; Erez, 1992; Chaney & Martin, 2011). More importantly, managers have the ability to understand the reasons at the back of action of business partners and attempt to point out ways to adjust the communication in an efficient manner. As stated by Hofstede (1997, p.4), culture is a mindset that influences directly the people’s way of behaviour and thinking. Business Case The present report critically analyse the real business situations of how international clients behave, in this case the behaviour of Swedish and Chinese staff. The scenario in this case is to identify the misunderstandings between the participants involved regarding their business, intercultural and communication strategies. In addition...
Words: 2654 - Pages: 11
...that each soldier had to bear during the Vietnam War while fighting for their country. Witnessing horrific scenes of war and the emotional and physical burdens that each of them carried, O’Brien unfolds how these men had no choice but to fulfill their patriotic duty. As the leader of the platoon, First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross goes through an inner conflict between love and duty, carrying his orders in his mind and Martha in his heart. But how far can war or following orders, impair the human side of compassion and love? Although, soldiers become men at war, O’Brien focuses in a story where war makes men emotionally handicap, leaving mental scars that may never heal. The story is told by a third person’s point of view, however, O’Brien includes a touch of his personal experiences during the war where he spent a year in Vietnam (Hicks). As Josiah Bunting said, “The things he carried into war are very different from what he carried away from it” (Bunting) expressing O’Brien’s experience at war and how his experience as a soldier would convince readers to believe that the different traumatic moments really happened. Although his personal experiences are counted as relevant, some critics consider his storytelling to be “nothing new about trying to tell war stories- that the “truths” they contain “are contradictory”, elusive and this indeterminate”. Kaplan goes on saying that “representation includes staging what might have happened in Vietnam while simultaneously questioning the accuracy...
Words: 1662 - Pages: 7
...progressive era of United States history, from the civil rights movement to the new wave of feminism, the 60’s were one of the most influential and memorable era because of this. One of the most famous of these social movements was the anti-war movement brought by the unpopular Vietnam War. One of the most notorious groups were the Chicago Seven called that because of the seven activists sentenced to jail for protesting. The Chicago Seven took a stand against the Vietnam War and the government by inciting protests and spreading ideals of nonviolence, and these actions resulted in increased exposure of the unpopular Vietnam War and the rise of hippie movement and also the division of opinion in American society. During the middle of the 1960’s the United States of were experiencing social changes due to the Civil Rights movement. Many people who participated in the civil rights movement, also participated in the anti war movement. Many older activists also began advocating for the antiwar movement helped younger leaders plan large protests. (“The Antiwar Movement” 2) Other types of people who participated were Catholics, hippies, and soldiers from the Vietnam War. This diversity of activists had an impact on American policymaking. (“The Antiwar Movement” 2) The group that one of the most...
Words: 539 - Pages: 3
...Vietnamese And Americans Cultural Studies Essay Conversation is a dialogue using all the possibilities mentioned. The purpose is to reach highest degree of communication, understanding, and, where necessary agreement. Disputes may occur, but they have only the purpose of classification. The leading purpose must be mutual understanding and, in some cases, the attempt to reach agreements if possible and to create pragmatics solutions for conflicts in case of disagreement. (Anindita Niyogi Balslev, cross – cultural conversation, pp 166 - 167). As we know, conversation is communication between two or more people. It is a social skill that is not difficult for most individuals. Conversations are the ideal form of communication in some respects, since they allow people with different views on a topic to learn from each other. A speech, on the other hand, is an oral presentation by one person directed at a group. For a successful conversation, the partners must achieve a workable balance of contributions. Find out more from UK Essays here: http://www.ukessays.com/essays/cultural-studies/differences-in-conversation-between-vietnamese-and-americans-cultural-studies-essay.php#ixzz3LvVR2EAQ The subject matter of a dialogue has influence on its formal structure. There are some fields in which disputation and argument will be an essential part of the argument, and in which procedures for compromising are most lawgiving binding all partners involved. (Anindita Niyogi Balslev, cross-cultural conversation...
Words: 1566 - Pages: 7
...research on my own people history, therefore I finally found out interesting information. I. What is Hmong? a) Hmong are an ethnic group from the mountain regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. b) The Hmong claim an origin in the Yellow River region of China. In Martha Ratliff’s 2004 book, Vocabulary of Environment and Subsistence in Proto-language, there is linguistic evidence to suggest that they have occupied the same areas of southern China for at least the past 2,000 years. c) 'Miao' people, a group with whom Hmong people are often identified. II. Hmong Rituals and Culture a) An article in www. Pbs.org stated about the Hmong religion is traditionally animist. According to Hmong cosmology, the human body is the host for a number of souls. The isolation and separation of one or more of these souls from the body can cause disease, depression and death. Curing rites are therefore referred to as "soul-calling rituals". Whether the soul became separated from the body because it was frightened away or kidnapped by an evil force, it must return in order to restore the integrity of life. Many rituals we include are trance, string-tying, and funeral. b) Hmong tell stories through cloths called paj ntaub. Their textiles are intricately sewn designs composed of appliqué, cross-stitches, batik and...
Words: 599 - Pages: 3
...Ha and the Universal Refugee Experience Refugees have to cross seas on rickety boats or airplanes, wait for help to come in freezing cold or boiling hot weather in order escape their country, but is it really all worth it. Is it really worth risking it all leaving their home country to go “inside out and back again” to find “home.” The book “Inside Out and Back Again” and Ha’s life is a mirror reflection of the Universal Refugee Experience, because refugees sometimes have to learn new languages and culture, refugees go through hard times escaping their country and getting to a safe one, and refugees have to stay in refugee camps. When refugees leave their country they sometimes have to go to a country where a different language is spoken,...
Words: 259 - Pages: 2
...powerful who led the U.S. to war. Lembcke is a sociologist at Holy Cross College, a Vietnam veteran who was an active member of Vietnam Veterans against the War. His book demolishes the myth that the antiwar movement was anti-soldier and that vets were spat upon.In this book, he argues that the common claim of American soldiers were insulted and spat upon when they returned home from the Vietnam War is a myth and nothing more. It was intended to discredit the anti-war movement and the protesters that were behind it. Lembcke stated that the Nixon administration was behind the propaganda and was using it to discredit the anti-war movement protesters. He theorizes that the reported "spitting on soldiers" scenario was a mythical projection by those who felt "spat upon" and was meant to discredit future anti-war activism. He suggests that the images of pro-war antipathy against anti-war protesters helped contribute to the myth. Lembcke argues that memories of being verbally and physically assaulted by anti-war protesters were largely conjured, arguing that not even one case could be documented. However, some news accounts that mention spitting do exist, although there has been no evidence to support those accounts.( Discover The Networks) It is hard to disprove a myth and hard to prove that something never happened. Lembcke acknowledges that he cannot prove the negative—that no Vietnam veteran was spat on—saying (Lembcke p. 68) it is hard to imagine...
Words: 1992 - Pages: 8
...and scientific change in the United States culture and was accurately captured in photography. In particular, the Bay Area saw large amounts of free-speech activism. Berkeley was a major proponent of this activism and was home to several large protests against the Vietnam War. The other major movement of the 1960s was the fight for civil rights legislation which had a large following in the Bay Area and San Francisco. The year this photo was taken (1969) was also an exceptionally significant one due to the success of Apollo 11 and subsequent moral victory of the United States against the Soviet Union. The photograph is credited to Stan Creighton and it depicts around twenty children...
Words: 871 - Pages: 4