Understanding Vietnamese Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Understanding Vietnamese Culture - Essay Example A number of Vietnamese in America come from the southern regions of Vietnam and talk the same dialect as the interpreters, difficulties can arise (Pham 2005, p.10). Different pronunciations can convey different nuances (Karnow 2000, p.20). Also, even though their words can be spelled similarly, their true meaning depends on the spoken accent. The family gets valued highly in the Vietnamese family, and it plays a central part in the culture. This family becomes extended consisting of married sons, daughters in law; young unmarried adult daughters, and the grandchildren (Shapiro 2002, p.13). The family structure is patriarchal. The eldest male is the family decision maker and spokesman. In the traditional families of Vietnamese, the husbands make crucial decisions on matters outside the home, while the wives take care of homes and have the responsibility of making decisions concerning healthcare (Pham 2005, p.10). The elders in the community become highly honored and respected (Karnow 2000, p.20). The kids are at all times required to obey them. Decisions regarding the community get made on the basis of common good, mostly under the direction of one of the elderly males(Pham 2005, p.10). Individualism becomes discouraged totally in the line of the family responsibilities that enhance interdependence, sense of belonging and support. The Vietnamese people have wide religious beliefs that play a significant part in their normal way of life. This also includes the decisions regarding end of life matters and health care. A number of Vietnamese people practice Buddhism (Karnow 2000, p.20). These religions posit that people should live a virtuous life by ignoring personal desire. Other beliefs include; animism, ancestor worship, the philosophical principles of Confucianism and also Taoism that symbolizes the importance of family life, harmony and social virtues (Karnow 2000, p.20). People of Southern Vietnam practice Christianity, mostly Catholicism.