26 May 2025
Vietnamese Cultural Notes
Forms of Respect
- Use “dạ” when replying to elders
- Address people by role, not name (e.g., “chị ơi”, not just “you”)
North vs South
- “Dạ” common in South, “vâng” more Northern
- Accent and tone differences (record clips later)
Gestures & Nonverbal Cues
- Avoid pointing with index finger
- Use whole hand or chin gesture
In-law Etiquette
- Always greet elders first
- Don’t sit before invited
Slang / Internet Speak
- vl = vãi l*n (shocking/awesome)
- ảo thật đấy = “unreal!” / “no way!”