...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, meanwhile improve mutual...
Words: 2793 - Pages: 12
...Communication style at 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...
Words: 5064 - Pages: 21
...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
...matter of concern to Vietnamese, but their most fear is threat to interpersonal harmony, as well as Cheng & Starosta (2005) point out “Human communication is a holistic system by which people develop and maintain harmonious relationships in a continuous transforming process of mutual dependency. This model of communication, which is clearly embedded in Eastern thought, […] is essentially different from common Western approaches because it holds harmony as the end rather than the means of communication”.This reflection includes my comprehension of the concepts attached to statement, my experience to clarify it. The statement...
Words: 1061 - Pages: 5
...Differences In Conversation Between 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...
Words: 1566 - Pages: 7
...was a marvel of military achievement; it pitted American and South Vietnamese against a larger North Vietnamese force that was well-positioned in strong fortifications and was ultimately a solid victory for the Allied forces (i.e. South Vietnamese, Americans, Australians). The outcome of the Battle of Hue City was different than one might have expected--outnumbered forces attacking a well-fortified enemy in a city is usually a formula for sure defeat. Therefore, the Battle of Hue City is an important engagement to analyze: there are many lessons that can be taken from its study regarding military operations in urbanized terrain (MOUT) and the effects of combat elements such as timing, heavy gunfire support, armor, communications, and geographic obstacles. 1968 was the pivotal year during the Vietnam War mostly because it was the year that marked the Tet Offensive, the turning point in the war. The Tet Offensive was an operation that the North Vietnamese conducted that called for a simultaneous attack on every major city in South Vietnam; its shock value would prove to be a major blow to American support for the war at home even though it was a great tactical victory for Allied forces. Perhaps the most significant victory for the Allied forces during the Tet Offensive was at Hue and the Allied victory there is truly a military marvel. The Battle of Hue City began on the night of January 30, 1968 during the Vietnamese lunar New Year, called Tet, and was the most important...
Words: 536 - Pages: 3
...the Vietnam War. In this battle the American and South Vietnamese forces were up against a North Vietnamese force that was close to triple their size. Another item to mention was that the Marine Battalions involved were low on men, and also worn down by previous battles. Moreover the American and South Vietnamese forces were attacking the North Vietnamese in a city that was very well reinforced. This battle is important because it was the first time combat was carried out in an urbanized environment. The strategic value of Hue City is because it was a distribution point for resupply efforts. A railroad and major highway passed through the city, connecting the Marine Corps command at Da Nang to the Demilitarized Zone; the Perfume River was used by US Navy supply boats moving to and from the mouth of the river and the South China Sea. If the city fell to the North Vietnamese, the US effort in Vietnam would suffer a major blow. Additionally, our forces utilized the effects of combined tactical elements such as timing, heavy gunfire support, armor, communications, and geographic obstacles to help overcome the North Vietnamese in this momentous battle. The Battle of Hue City began on the night of January 30, 1968 during the Vietnamese lunar New Year, called Tet, a holiday and celebration in Vietnam. Because of this, many of the South Vietnamese military were on leave, and because a truce usually occurred with the New Year, the North Vietnamese prepared a surprise attack when they...
Words: 2498 - Pages: 10
...They think they need to speak louder or slower so we can understand what they are saying. I would get so offended when someone asks me if I spoke English. I would give them a glare and sometimes even pretend I do not speak English so I don’t have to interact with them. For some reason, many clients think we, as a Vietnamese culture, all work in a nail salon because it is our only job we can do without speaking English. I felt they were discriminating us for being Vietnamese. Discrimination as Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond implies, “Unfair or inappropriate treatment of people based on their group membership” (2010, p.91). They would get offended when we start speaking Vietnamese in front of them. Some would tell us it was very unprofessional of us to be speaking a different language when we are working on client. Then there are some who jokes around and tell us we are talking about them. I prefer the second situation. It’s probably the way they say it. When they make it as a joke, it sounds friendlier than when they are just saying out right that it is rude for us to speak in Vietnamese. I usually rudely reply, in perfect English, “It should not matter what language I speak to my co-workers as long as we are doing our job...
Words: 2584 - Pages: 11
...younger generation about why this war was so important. However, the concern wouldn’t be there in the first place without some convincing from President Johnson and Defense Secretary McNamara. “[The] Johnson administration used the episodes (of American involvement) to seek a congressional decree authorizing retaliation against North Vietnam. Passed nearly unanimously by Congress on 7 August and signed into law three days later, the Tonkin Gulf Resolution—or Southeast Asia Resolution, as it was officially known—was a pivotal moment in the war and gave the Johnson administration a broad mandate to escalate U.S. military involvement in Vietnam” (Coleman). Prior to this congressional act, the Johnson Administration had been falsely communicating with the it’s people. Rather than telling the truth regarding Vietnamese movements, they falsified acts to have the American people back the congressional degree. Ultimately, when the younger generation saw how hard the administration was trying to convince them of the need for a congressional degree, a mistrust was formed. This mistrust in the government then led to the many protests and resistance from the young generation that was able to provide...
Words: 1534 - Pages: 7
...removed. (March 2010) | Battle of Huế | Part of the Tet Offensive, Vietnam War | US Marines fighting in Hue | Date | January 30 – March 3, 1968 | Location | 16°28′30.9″N 107°34′33.6″E / 16.47525°N 107.576°E / 16.47525; 107.576Coordinates: 16°28′30.9″N 107°34′33.6″E / 16.47525°N 107.576°E / 16.47525; 107.576 Huế, South Vietnam | Result | Tactical South Vietnamese and US victory[1] | | Belligerents | South Vietnam United States | North Vietnam Viet Cong | Commanders and leaders | Ngô Quang Trưởng Foster LaHue | Trần Văn Quang | Strength | 11 ARVN battalions 2 U.S Army battalions 3 U.S Marines battalions | 10 PAVN and NLF battalions | Casualties and losses | ARVN: 452 killed 2,123 wounded U.S.: 216 killed 1,584 wounded[2] Total: 663 killed 3,707 wounded | PAVN figures: About 2,400 killed and 3,000 wounded (from 30-1 until 28-3)[3] MACV estimate: 8,113 killed[4] 98 captured[5] | 844 civilian deaths and 1,900 injuries due to accident of battle, 4,856 civilians and captured personnel executed by communists or missing according to the South Vietnamese government[6] | [show]v · d · e Military engagements of the Vietnam War | | | Laos - Sunrise – 1st Ap Bac – Go Cong – Hiep Hoa – Chan La – 34A – Long Dinh – Kien Long – Quyet Thang 202 – Nam Dong – Thanh Hóa – An Lao – Bình Gia – Pleiku airbase – Thanh Hoa Bridge – Song Be – Ba Gia – Đồng Xoài – Starlite – Chu Lai – Plei Me – Minh Thanh – Hump – Gang Toi – Ia Drang...
Words: 4508 - Pages: 19
...HCMC University of Pedagogy – English department ( A CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF COMPLIMENTS IN AMERICAN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE Student: Dang Thi Thao Nguyen Class: 4A06 Instructor: Ph.D Nguyen Ngoc Vu (( December 2009 When a student gets a high score, his teacher usually says: “Good job!”. When a child automatically cleans up the room after playing, her parents are likely to say: “You are very good”. When you go to school wearing a new shirt, you probably hear from your friends: “That shirt looks nice on you”. Those utterances are called compliments which are used to show that someone likes someone else’s appearance, belongings, or work etc. Due to different cultural background and social values, English and Vietnamese native speakers have different norms of complimenting as well as responding to compliments. In this essay, I will discuss the notion of compliment made in American English and Vietnamese in terms of topics, formulas, and responses. First thing first, let have a look at the definition. Definition of compliment Cambridge dictionary defines a compliment as “a remark that expresses approval, admiration or respect”. In linguistics, Holmes (1986, p.446) wrote “A compliment is a speech act which explicitly or implicitly attributes credit to someone other than the speaker, usually the person addressed, for some ‘good’ (possession, characteristic, skill, etc.), which is...
Words: 1627 - Pages: 7
...Lessons Learned The Vietnam experience was a war that lasted for approximately twenty years. The American military and leadership appear to have learned some lessons from our involvement in the Vietnam War. Many issues transpired during the Vietnam War. There were many lessons to be learned from this war by many people starting with the president of the United States to the soldiers battling in the fields. Diplomatic Negotiations Diplomatic negotiations are defined as negotiations between nations. The lesson learned in regards to diplomatic negotiations for the United States is effective communication. The American leaders and the Vietnamese leaders both were unwilling to come together and negotiation on a clear solution to put an end to the war. Their unwillingness to discuss any solutions caused the deaths of millions of people. The war that took place in Vietnam was avoidable and should not have happened, Once the war was stated there were several opportunities for the leaders of both sides to discuss negotiations, however they waited extremely too long. Presidential Leadership Presidential leadership styles differ from president to president. President Eisenhower to President Nixon had their own way of handling negotiations. The office of Presidency changed several times during the time America initially got involved in the events that took place in Vietnam. President Eisenhower and his administration functioned as advisors during his term in office. By the...
Words: 793 - Pages: 4
...line) ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. How can culture liberate people? (in one line) ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 3. How can culture constrain people? (in one line) ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4. Regarding the topic, way and style of presenting information, please provide one example about the reactions of social groups based on differing values given to a speech act in different cultures. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 5. Regarding the imagined communities, it is said that the city of London is inseparable, in the cultural imagination of its citizens, from Shakespeare and Dickens. Please provide one example about imagined communities as far as Vietnamese culture is concerned. 6. Which of the brief description fits each of the two versions (strong and weak) of Linguistic Relativism by Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis |Version |Description | | |- Lexicons will reflect aspects of the culture (cultural differences in semantic...
Words: 2043 - Pages: 9
...Immigrants Learning English What does immigrant mean? Immigrant is a person who comes into a country to live there. When immigrants come into whatever country, they have to learn a new culture and new language to integrate society in that country. In fact, language is the key of the culture, so learning new language in new country will help immigrants understand more about the typical culture’s in new country; each country has a different languages, and language is the most important thing to communication with native speakers so that it helps people understand each other. For example, if immigrants come to France, they have to learn French; immigrants move to China, they can learn Chinese; or if immigrants are resident in Spain, they must learn Spanish etc. Likewise, immigrants, who come into the U.S, can learn English; learning English is very helpful to immigrants in the U.S because they can communicate with somebody by English, get more opportunities and support their children. First, learning English helps immigrants can communicate with native speakers or...
Words: 1690 - Pages: 7
...Reaction Paper - Nonfiction “Who Will Light the Incense When Mother’s Gone” by Andrew Lam and “Salvation” by Langston Hughes are the two nonfiction stories featured in this reaction paper. Although, the time period in which each story was written is not the same, both of these nonfiction stories share a common theme. The subject of that theme is one where an elder teaches a person younger than themselves, the ways of their ancestors through religion or culture. Misunderstandings bought forth by failed communication is another theme that these two stories have in common. Both themes explain that a profound gap exists between the older and newer generation of people, regardless of the time period each one is in. For instance, in the story, “Who Will Light the Incense When Mother’s Gone“, the author writes about a Vietnamese teenager who has to learn the ways of his newfound American culture due to the pressure of his current times. While in the story, “Salvation”, the black American was pressured to follow and believe in Christianity in order to display obedience within his community. Both stories portray different cultural perspectives but they both provide a similar theme when it comes to values that are instilled into the younger generation through the methods used by the older generation. In each of these stories, the author provides a main character as the narrator, who also portrays the author himself. Each author is writing about a conflict that he had experienced in his...
Words: 1003 - Pages: 5
