The comparison between vietnamese and american greeting cultures

DONGNAI TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

TOPIC:

THE COMPARISON BETWEEN VIETNAMESE AND
AMERICAN GREETING CULTURES
A report submitted to the
Faculty of Foreign Languages of DNTU
for the mid-term test of the subject Intercultural Communication.
By
NGUYEN VAN A
STUDENT’S ID: 123456789

Instructed by
Cam Lien

BIEN HOA CITY, June 2021


CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION........................................................................................1
1.1

Reason....................................................................................................................1

1.2

The importance of topic.........................................................................................1

1.3

Overall comments..................................................................................................2

CHAPTER 2: CONTENT...................................................................................................3
2.1 Literature review........................................................................................................3
2.1.1 Definition of Greetings........................................................................................3
2.1.2 Types of Greetings...............................................................................................3
2.1.2.1 Verbal greetings.............................................................................................3
2.1.2.2 Non-verbal greetings.....................................................................................4
2.2 Findings......................................................................................................................4
2.2.1 Vietnamese’s verbal greetings.............................................................................4
2.2.2 Vietnamese’s non- verbal greetings.....................................................................7
2.2.3 American’s verbal greetings................................................................................7
2.3.4 American’s non-verbal greetings.........................................................................8
2.3 Compare Vietnamese and American greetings..........................................................9
2.3.1 Similarities...........................................................................................................9
2.3.2 Differences...........................................................................................................9
CHAPTER 3: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION...................................................................11
3.1 Discussion................................................................................................................11
3.2 Conclusion................................................................................................................11
REFERENCE..........................................................................................................................................13


CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Reason
As all we know, differences in cultures are one of the main problems leading to a
failure of communication. This report depends on the current tourism and
settlement situation, it is inevitable for us to communicate and exchange cultures
with foreigners. Both Vietnamese people and Americans who travel or tend to stay
in the other country should know and develop their communication skills

themselves in Vietnamese or English, for instance, speaking, listening and also
sociolinguistic. The problem is that only language cannot solve all of the
communicate situations, learners have difficulties in using the target language
appropriately in different contexts. Before approaching the language you need,
searching for that country’s culture is also important and greeting culture is not an
exception. That is the first reason I would like choose this. And the second reason
is really simple that’s I learnt British and American Cultures, I chose the topic to
present for final test is Greeting Customs in the USA.
1.2 The importance of topic
These days, greetings become a mandatory etiquette. When a person who is
having a good understanding of greeting cultures. Obviously, they probably have a
good impression in the other’s eyes and asserts the national image in foreigners’
heart. The importance of this study is developing a more rigorous understanding of
the similarities and differences in using greeting gesture in America and Vietnam
to avoid culture mistakes in cross-cultural communication. It is suitable for those
who are trying to approach the greeting cultures of Vietnamese and American.
Moreover, the purpose of this research is to help you prepare a solid foundation of
cultural knowledge to be able to start communication and develop necessary
relationships in the future.

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1.3 Overall comments
Depending on the relationship, there are different greetings in the US or Vietnam,
there will have many greeting ways. There are different ways of greeting
depending on the relationship, age, gender, and status. Greetings show the way in
which a person perceive themselves as well as how they feel about others.
Greetings can indicate respect or lack of respect to another person. In some
cultures, people greet their friends or close relatives daily, but other cultures do not

greet each other at all. In this report I will compare the differences between
Vietnamese and American greeting cultures. The comparison will take into
account both verbal and nonverbal communication styles.

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CHAPTER 2: CONTENT
2.1 Literature review
2.1.1 Definition of Greetings
Greeting is the best way to make impression in communications of any cultures in
the world. Our conservations or meeting or any talks are successful or not
successful thanks to the greeting. It can be said that greetings play important role
in communication. So, what is greeting? According to greeting is an act
of communication in which human beings intentionally make their presence
known to each other, to show attention to, and to suggest a type of relationship
(usually cordial) or social status (formal or informal) between individuals or
groups of people coming in contact with each other (Wikipedia, 2021). There are
two forms of greeting: verbal and non-verbal greeting. However, in some
situations, because of the distance communication or language barriers, the form
of non-verbal greeting is used more commonly. The form of non-verbal greeting
conveys more messages and it is easier to use than verbal form.
2.1.2 Types of Greetings
There are two types of greeting: nonverbal and verbal greeting. However, in some
situations, because of the distance communication or language barriers, the form
of non-verbal greeting is used more commonly.
2.1.2.1 Verbal greetings
Verbal greeting refers to the uses of sounds and language to relay a
message. It serves as a vehicle for expressing desires, ideas and
concepts and is vital to the processes of learning and teaching.

Verbal is divided into two types: oral greeting and written
greeting. Oral greeting is the process of expressing information
or ideas by word of mouth. This can be done by face-to-face
conversations, speech, telephonic conversation, video, radio,
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television and voice over interest. And written greeting is a type
of interaction that makes use of the written word like email,
message, etc. (Phương, 2016)
2.1.2.2 Non-verbal greetings
Nonverbal communication is the transfer of information through
the use of body language such as eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, posture and more. There are several types of nonverbal
communications you should be aware of, including:
-

Facial expressions: One of the most common forms of
nonverbal

greetings

are

facial

expressions.

Using

the

eyebrows, mouth, eyes and facial muscles to convey can be
very

effective

when

communicating

both

emotion

and

information to show you want to say "Hello"
-

Eye contact: Strategically using eye content (or lack of eye
contact) is an extremely effective way to communicate your
attention and interest in order that they recognize you greet to
them

-

Touch: Some people also use touch as a form of greeting that
is shake hand. Most commonly, it is used to communicate
support or comfort. This form of greeting should be used

sparingly and only when you have a meeting with partners.

-

Gestures: While gestures vary widely across communities,
they generally use hands and arms to wave both intentionally
and unintentionally to others. (Phương, 2016)

2.2 Findings
2.2.1 Vietnamese’s verbal greetings

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- Greeting by saying “Xin chào”: “Xin chào” is used widely over the country –
Vietnam. Vietnamese people have various ways to greet someone in
communication. And that is the most popular greeting way in Vietnam. This is the
kind of greeting that the speaker uses directly the main word “Xin chào” with
many forms and transform to different types such as Chào, Chào nha, etc. or
having the verb “Chào” which goes with the name of the listener like her name is
Hoa, I might say “Chào Hoa” or which goes with the role in the family like Hoa is
my aunt and I will say “Chào cô”.
Moreover, when meeting relatives or neighbors, Vietnamese people often greet the
oldest person first, then the next oldest one in an orderly manner and the
traditional greetings is often to wrap both arms in front of the chest and the end of
the head in front of the others. It shows humility, listen and respect the other
person. They are tended to use add the word “con” before the greeting sentence
“Con+ chào+ pronouns or professional title +ạ” such as “Con chào cô ạ”. The
word "ạ" at the end of the greeting show respects to people who are older or higher
position. By contrast, people in of a same age group, the speaker may utilize

“Chào các bạn” or "Chào mọi người". In brief, Vietnamese people will use ways
that are the most suitable way depending on situation to greeting others. In
addition, there are some greeting expressions especially used formal meetings or
ceremonies. In Vietnam, Master of Ceremonies (MC) people often say “Kính chào
quý vị quan khách”, “Chào mừng quý vị đại biểu”, etc. However, in America, the
MC may just say “Ladies and Gentlemen” to welcome all partakers.
- Greeting by making questions: Vietnamese people usually change the way of
greeting by asking a question to the other person depending on the situation. The
greeting is expressed under a question form or exclamatory words, if we put them
in the right context, they naturally become greetings. This is a popular greeting
way in Vietnam. For example, "Dạo này sao rồi" means "How are you?" and is
used in such occasions as introduction to someone or a greeting to a friend. The
tone of the greeting is different according to whether we are friends or relatives. In
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case of friendships, it means "I am very glad to see you" – “Rất vui khi gặp mày”;
in case of relatives: “How are you? I am so pleased to see you.” - “Dạo này chị
khỏe chứ? Vui ghê nay mới được gặp chị.” (itourvietnam, 2020)

When

meeting

an

acquaintance,

Vietnamese people often are wont to

Kính
chào
quý vị
quan
khách!

greet by asking different questions as a
way of saying hello instead of using the
verb like “Chào” in order to express care
Con

and make them increase friendliness
chào
ôngdevelop
ạ
between their interests so that

their close relationship, the question is
very specific about the situation of family, work, health, etc. For instance, “Anh đi
đâu đấy?” (Where are you going?), “Ơng đang làm gì đấy?” (What are you
doing?), or asking about work such as “Dạo này công việc sao rồi?” (How have
you been lately?), asking about family like “Mày kết hôn chưa?” (Have you got
married?). In fact, these greeting questions are just exchange courtesies, and the
speaker is purely asked, and the listener does not need to answer. It’s merely a few
words to start a conversation.

Cháu đi đâu đấy?

Dạo này
cậu khỏe

không?

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2.2.2 Vietnamese’s non- verbal greetings
Non-verbal greeting plays an essential role in Vietnamese society. It sometimes
accompanies and reinforces linguistic symbols as well as a substitute for words.
- The smile, which is sometimes enigmatic to the American, is used as another
nonverbal symbol showing greeting friendly in Vietnamese culture. For the
Vietnamese, the smile is a proper response in most situations in which verbal
expression is not needed or not appropriate. It is not only used to replace saying
"Chào" but also it is used as a substitute for "I'm sorry", "Thank you". (Tourism,
2011)
- Shaking hands is a friendly greeting between men (but not the elderly); not
customary between women or between a man and a woman; acceptable between a
Vietnamese woman and non-Vietnamese man. Palm of right should hand out;
fingers move up and down several times.
- Waving hands is an easiest signal to greet someone who is being far from the
greeter, although they don’t have much time to stand and talk something together,
they still give the others their politeness and friendliness. At times, Vietnamese
people make a “V” shape to say "Hello".
- Folding the arms is a typical way of Vietnamese’s greeting. This kind of greeting
is only used for the children when they meet older people.
2.2.3 American’s verbal greetings
- Greeting by saying “Hello/Hi”: “Hi/ Hello” is no stranger to hearing about
America. It’s suitable for use under normal circumstances. Besides, American
people also use “hey” for people who have met. If they say “hey” to a stranger, it
can confuse him or her because he or she will try to remember when she or he met
them. In addition, this is also adding “man” at the end of “Hi/ Hello/ Hey” when

greet men. In America, greetings can be classified based on specific time (see
table).

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TIME OF DAY
MORNING
AFTERNOON
EVENING

GREETING

TIME

EXAMPLE

Good morning + title/ first name or

From midnight

Good morning, Mr. Green

Mornin’ (short form)

to midday

Mornin’ Green

Good afternoon/Afternoon +

title/first name
Good evening + title/ first name or

After midday
until 6 p.m
After 6 p.m to

Evenin’

midnight

Good afternoon, Mr. Green
Good evening, Mr. Green
Evenin’ Green

- Greetings by congratulating, praising and giving a compliment: Greetings by
congratulation “Have a nice day”, "Have a good day" or “Good night” is a wellknown greeting in American. Greeting on special days or ceremonies like "Happy
Birthday", "Merry Christmas". This greeting can be share cheer together.
- Greeting by making questions: It is very common in US that if you greet a
friendly phrase by making a question “How are you doing?” or “How are you?”.
Typically, you smile and then say the phrase. This is a very common and most
important way to greet people. Irrespective of if you know the person or not, you
always ask the person “How are you doing?” or “How are you?”. It is a common
etiquette in America.
2.3.4 American’s non-verbal greetings
Handshake is a common habit of Americans. They shake hands tightly (which
does not mean clenching to hurt others’ hands) to show friendliness and
enthusiasm. . The handshakes differ from culture to culture. It indicates who is
more important or friendly. Handshakes in the US have several styles such as the
grip, the fist bump, and the finger shake. Loose handshakes can be considered

uncertain and lack confidence. It is rare for Americans to use both hands to shake
hands only show the respect to others. In addition, when an American man is
meeting a girl or a woman that he knows well, it is common to hug her or even
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kiss her on the cheek, just a light hug where he just put his arms around her back
and waving hand is quite common for friends or close relationships
2.3 Compare Vietnamese and American greetings
2.3.1 Similarities
In reality, Vietnamese and Americans get similar greeting ways. Firstly, shaking
hands is a common way and used by males and females in many situations (public,
meetings, politics, etc.). These days, under the influence of the English language,
Vietnamese people also use “Hi/Hello” to greet people they meet. Besides, there
isn’t much different in special greeting like Banner cheer, in the Army, …
Furthermore, the greeting is the best way of social interaction, aimed at
maintaining the relationship, solidarity and mutual love of all people in a
community.
2.3.2 Differences
Depending on the relationship, there are different greetings in the US. With close
relationships they will greet each other with a hug or kiss on the cheek, while with
a social or business relationship they will greet each other with a handshake. When
it comes to communication, Americans attach great importance to shaking hands.
In Vietnam, people attach importance to hierarchy, so the way of greeting is
somewhat

more

complicated

depending

on

the

relationship

with

the

communicator. There are different ways of greeting depending on the relationship,
age, gender, and status. For example, when younger people want to greet lders
they will bow their heads slightly and use the right hand to touch the elder's right
shoulder. In my opinion, although there are different ways of greeting between
Vietnamese and Americans, I think that shaking hands is a must-do since it is a
way of showing friendship and trust with communication partners.

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Contexts

The U.S.A

Vietnam

Formal: “nice to meet
you”

to greet for the first
meeting

Formal: “Chào bạn”, “Chào

In the morning: good

ông”, etc.

morning

Informal: “Này, ”Ê”, etc.

In the afternoon: good
Greeting
by
afternoon
saying
In the evening: good
“hi/
hello”
evening

Greet the people who are
older than us, add the word
“ạ” after the sentence. You
should greet from the oldest

Informal: Say “hi”, “hello”, to the youngest “Chào +
“hey”, “what’s up”, etc.

pronouns (based on age, status)

Use “hi/hello”, “good

+ ạ”, “Con chào bác ạ”

morning/ good afternoon/
good evening/ good
night”

Greeting
on the
phone

Just say “Hello/Hi”

Say “Alô

They say “Lady and
Formal
meetings Gentlemen” to all
and
ceremonies participants

Popular
greetings

There are many ways “Nhiệt liệt
chào mừng”, “Kính thưa quý vị

đại biểu”

A. Hello, How’s it today?

A.Cháu đi học mới về đấy à!

B: Hi! I’m great. I’m late

B. Vâng ạ

for school. Bye!

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CHAPTER 3: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
3.1 Discussion
As abovementioned, greeting gestures play an essential role and is an integral part
in our life. When you work and communicate in foreign environments or when
you travel to another country, firstly, you have to read books or posts relating to
greeting gestures of that country to know the behavior. Thus, I decided to carry out
the project with the hope of finding the similarities and differences in greeting in
America and Vietnam to avoid misunderstandings which can lead to
communication breakdown in cross-cultural communication.
3.2 Conclusion
There are certainly many differences between Vietnam, a
traditional country with a high standard in the manner, and the
United State with an open-minded. Nevertheless, greeting can
bring to people conflicts and misunderstandings. Thus, choosing
greeting ways have to be suitable to the situation, attitude and

expression. After all, differences and similarities reveal the
significance as well as the aspect in cultural life of each nation. In
terms of the greetings in American English which is more strictly
adhered to Vietnamese and Vietnamese rarely uses the rulebased greeting. It seems to find greeting in English easier than
Vietnamese, reality is not so. It is very difficult for English people
when learning Vietnamese is the accompanying sayings, the
topics raised while greeting are very flexible and different from
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Vietnamese. So, in a situation of greeting between a native
speaker and a language learner, one often feels that the person
who learns the language, greets them in a rather coarse manner,
or makes unreasonable exchange topics. The conversation may
be abruptly ended. The reasons of abrupt ending are as follows:
The person who learns the language is not very familiar with the
culture and tradition that required to greet in English. How does a
Vietnamese greets in English? It is too different from Vietnamese.
The second reason is that the American English greeting is not
flexible enough to allow free conversation topic for discussion,
unlike Vietnamese. In addition, there should be some rules in
English greeting while there is no any rule in Vietnamese
greeting. The last reason of abrupt ending with a native speaker
will be explained in detail while focusing on the topics raised by a
language learner.

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REFERENCE

itourvietnam. (2020, 06 29). Learn Vietnamese Greetings. Retrieved from itourvietnam:
/>Phương, Đ. T. (2016). Using greeting gestures in America and Vietnam – The
similarities and differences in light of cross culture communication. Retrieved
from Dspace:
/>12751020.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Tourism, V. (2011, 11 19). Vietnamese Expression Culture in Non-verbal
Communication. Retrieved from Vietnam Tourism:
/>Wikipedia. (2021, 6 3). Greeting. Retrieved from Wikipedia:
/>
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