Differences between Vietnamese vs American culture

Last Updated on March 19, 2022 by QCity Editorial Stuff

Both American and Vietnamese cultures are rich in their ways. However, there are some distinct differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key cultural distinctions between these two nations. Keep in mind that generalizations should not be made, as each individual has his or her own unique experiences and cultural perspectives. Nevertheless, let’s take a closer look at some of the main differences between Vietnamese and American culture.

As a Vietnamese American, I have experienced and observed the cultural differences between my ancestral culture and American culture. In this blog post, I will share my insights on the differences between Vietnamese and American culture. Specifically, I will discuss topics such as family structure, food, and values. I hope that this blog post will provide you with a better understanding of Vietnamese and American cultures. Thank you for reading.

Comparison between Vietnamese and American culture

Parameters of ComparisonVietnamese culture American culture
CultureVietnamese culture is generally more conservativeAmerican culture is generally more liberal  
CommunicationVietnamese culture values face-to-face communicationAmerican culture prefers to communicate through technology.  
Self-consciousMore self-consciousLess self-conscious
FriendlyMore friendlyLess friendly
FamilyMore family-orientedLess family-oriented

What is Vietnamese culture?

It’s hard to say because it varies depending on where you are in the country. For example, in the northern provinces of Vietnam, the Hmong people still practice many of their traditional rituals and customs. However, as one travels south through the Mekong River Delta region (Nam Mon), you’ll find that more urbanized cities like Ho Chi Minh City have a different kind of Vietnamese culture. With all these variations across space and time, it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly constitutes Vietnamese Culture.

Vietnamese culture is a rich and diverse tradition that has evolved over the centuries. It combines the influences of China, India, France, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and other countries to form its own distinct identity. There are many aspects to Vietnamese culture including food, language, and traditions which can be traced back hundreds of years. This blog will explore some of these traditions in more detail so you can learn about this fascinating country’s history through its traditions 

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What is American culture?

American culture is a vast and diverse tapestry, made up of many different traditions, beliefs, and customs. From our popular foods and entertainment to our political system and way of life, American culture has been shaped by generations of immigrants and settlers. Whether you’re born in the United States or have adopted it as your home, there’s no denying that American culture is unique and fascinating. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key aspects that make up America’s cultural identity. We’ll also take a look at some of the challenges facing American culture today.

The American culture is largely shaped by the vast diversity of people and cultures that make up its population. This diversity can be seen in everything from our food to our history. With such a rich, diverse heritage, it’s no wonder so many people are interested in learning more about America’s culture.

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10 Differences between Vietnamese and American culture

1. Vietnamese culture is generally more conservative, while American culture is generally more liberal.

2. Vietnamese culture values face-to-face communication, while American culture prefers to communicate through technology.

3. Vietnamese people are less likely to be self-conscious about their body weight or appearance than Americans are.

4. Traditional Vietnamese cuisine typically features fresh produce and seafood, whereas traditional American cuisine often relies heavily on meat products.

5. Vietnam has a much higher percentage of Buddhists than America does.

6. The average household size in Vietnam is larger than the average household size in America.

7. Vietnamese people put their family before everything.

8. Westerners are more individualistic, whereas Vietnamese culture is collectivist.

9. Vietnam has a long history of colonization and French rule that still influences the country today.

10. The main language in Vietnam is Vietnamese, while English is the primary language in America.

Interesting Statistics or Facts of Vietnamese culture

1. Vietnamese people have a culture of ancestor worship.

2. The Vietnamese word for “hello” is “chào,” which means “to meet” or “to greet.”.

3. In Vietnam, four different languages are spoken in the country.

4. There are two major religions in Vietnam – Buddhism, and Christianity.

5. In Vietnam, it’s customary to bring gifts when visiting someone’s home.

6. It is considered rude to wear shoes inside someone else’s house in Vietnam.

Interesting Statistics or Facts of American culture

1. The average American eats three hamburgers a week.

2. Americans spend more money on coffee than they do on wine or beer.

3. People in the US are less likely to be obese if they live near a coastline.

4. There is an average of 280 million cars in the United States, with one car for every person in California.

5. More people have access to mobile phones than have access to running water.

6. Nearly half of all adults in America drink alcohol at least once per month.

Conclusion

It is important to remember that there are cultural differences between Vietnamese and American culture, especially in regards to how people feel about their workplace. Americans have a more individualistic mindset with an emphasis on personal success, while Vietnamese may be more likely to see work as a family affair where everyone shares the responsibility of completing tasks. This different perspective can lead to some misunderstandings when working both domestically and internationally. For these two cultures to understand each other better, it’s important for leaders from either side who want or need help doing so first become aware of what makes them unique – which includes understanding the difference between Westerners’ high-context communication style (where context must often be given before information) versus Easterners’ low-context communication.

References:

Resource 01: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-culture-of-vietnam.html
Resource 02: https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/way-of-life/american-culture/

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