Speaking about Customs and Traditions

Let’s talk about festivals

What is the most important festival in your country?

The most important festival in Vietnam is Tet, which is the Lunar New Year. It is the biggest and most significant celebration of the year, marking the beginning of spring and a new year according to the lunar calendar. Tet is a time for family reunions, paying respect to ancestors, and preparing for a prosperous year ahead.

How do people celebrate festivals in your country?

During Tet, people celebrate by cleaning and decorating their homes with flowers and traditional decorations like peach blossoms and kumquat trees. Families prepare special foods, visit relatives and friends, and give "lì xì" (lucky money) to children and elders. There are also various cultural activities such as lion dances, fireworks, and traditional music performances.

What special food do people eat at festivals in Vietnam?

During Tet, people eat a variety of special foods. Some of the most popular dishes include "bánh chưng" (square sticky rice cake) and "bánh tét" (cylindrical sticky rice cake), which are made with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork. Other traditional foods include pickled vegetables, boiled chicken, and various types of sweets and dried fruits. These foods are not only delicious but also carry symbolic meanings related to prosperity and good fortune.

Do you think festivals are important for the society?

Yes, I believe festivals are very important for society. They provide an opportunity for people to come together, strengthen social bonds, and celebrate cultural heritage and traditions. Festivals create a sense of community and belonging, allowing people to share joy and happiness. They also play a vital role in preserving cultural identity and passing on traditions to future generations. Overall, festivals enrich our lives and contribute to social cohesion and cultural continuity.

Let’s talk about customs

Let’s talk about festivals

What are your favorite customs?

My favorite customs are those related to Tet, the Lunar New Year. I particularly enjoy the tradition of giving and receiving "lì xì" (lucky money) in red envelopes, as it symbolizes good luck and prosperity. I also love the family reunions, preparing and eating traditional foods, and decorating the house with flowers and festive items.

What customs do you think should be revised?

One custom that could be revised is the expectation for young people to follow traditional career paths dictated by their parents. While respecting family wishes is important, I think it’s also essential for individuals to pursue careers they are passionate about. Encouraging more open communication and understanding between generations could help modernize this custom.

Are there different customs for men and women?

Yes, there are different customs for men and women in Vietnam. For example, during family gatherings, women are often expected to help with cooking and serving meals, while men might be more involved in making decisions and handling external matters. However, these traditional roles are gradually changing as society becomes more modern and gender equality is increasingly emphasized.

What customs are found in Vietnam about eating?

In Vietnam, there are several customs related to eating. One common custom is sharing food from communal dishes placed in the center of the table. It’s also customary to invite others to eat before starting your own meal, often by saying "mời mọi người ăn cơm" (please everyone, eat). Additionally, meals are seen as an important time for family bonding, so eating together is highly valued. Respecting elders by allowing them to start eating first is another important custom.

Let’s talk about meetings

Let’s talk about your family

Do you enjoy meeting people from different cultures?

Yes, I enjoy meeting people from different cultures. It is a fascinating experience because I get to learn about their customs, traditions, and perspectives. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds broadens my horizons and helps me understand the world better.

What are some things you talk about?

When I meet people from different cultures, we often talk about our countries, including the food, festivals, and landmarks. We also discuss hobbies, daily life, and sometimes even share stories about our families and experiences. These conversations help us find common ground and appreciate our differences.

What should you not talk about when you meet a new person?

When meeting a new person, it is best to avoid sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and personal financial matters. These subjects can be controversial and may lead to misunderstandings or discomfort. It's also important to be respectful and not make assumptions about the other person's background or beliefs.

Do you like to make friends with new people? Why/Why not?

Yes, I like to make friends with new people because it allows me to build a diverse network of connections. New friendships bring fresh perspectives and experiences into my life, making it more interesting and enriching. Additionally, having friends from different backgrounds helps me grow as a person and improves my social skills.

Let’s talk about your family

How many people are there in your family?

There are five people in my family. I live with my parents, my older sister, and my younger brother. We are a close-knit family and enjoy spending time together.

Do you all live in the same house? Why or why not?

Yes, we all live in the same house. It is common in Vietnam for extended families to live together under one roof. This arrangement allows us to support each other and maintain strong family bonds. Additionally, it is convenient for sharing household responsibilities and taking care of younger and older family members.

What things do you like doing together?

As a family, we enjoy doing many activities together. One of our favorite things to do is having meals together, especially during weekends and holidays. We also like going on outings, such as visiting parks, going to the cinema, or exploring new places. Additionally, we enjoy celebrating traditional festivals and special occasions together, which helps us stay connected and create lasting memories.

Customs and Traditions Speaking Part 3

What role do ceremonies play in the social life of people in your country?

Ceremonies play a significant role in the social life of people in Vietnam. They are an important way to celebrate cultural heritage, bring families and communities together, and mark significant life events. For example, Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is the most important holiday, where families gather to honor ancestors, enjoy special foods, and perform traditional rituals. Weddings, funerals, and festivals are also key ceremonies that help maintain social bonds and cultural identity.

What traditions were important for your grandparents?

For my grandparents, several traditions were very important. One of them is Tet Nguyen Dan, which involves cleaning the house, preparing special dishes, and making offerings to ancestors. Another important tradition is the Mid-Autumn Festival, where children receive lanterns and mooncakes. Additionally, my grandparents placed a strong emphasis on respect for elders, which involves traditional greetings and gestures of respect, such as bowing and serving tea.

Which traditions are we likely to continue to celebrate in the future?

We are likely to continue celebrating major traditions such as Tet Nguyen Dan and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These traditions are deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and are widely cherished by all generations. Celebrations that honor ancestors and family bonds, like death anniversaries (Gio To), will also continue to be important. Additionally, festivals like the Hung Kings' Temple Festival, which commemorate national heroes, are likely to endure.

How would you describe young people's attitudes towards tradition?

Young people in Vietnam have a mixed attitude towards tradition. While many appreciate and participate in traditional celebrations, they also tend to adopt modern lifestyles and values. Some young people may see certain customs as outdated, but overall, there is a strong sense of cultural pride and a desire to preserve important traditions. Social media and education play significant roles in keeping young people connected to their cultural heritage.

Do you think customs and traditions are changing these days?

Yes, customs and traditions are changing these days, influenced by globalization, modernization, and technological advancements. While the core elements of many traditions remain, the ways they are celebrated might be different. For example, traditional Tet customs are now sometimes blended with modern practices, like giving electronic "lucky money" instead of cash. Additionally, urbanization and busy lifestyles can lead to simpler and shorter celebrations compared to the past.

Do you think traditions and customs are affected by advertising?

Yes, traditions and customs are affected by advertising. Businesses often use cultural festivals and traditions as marketing opportunities, promoting products and services that align with traditional celebrations. For example, during Tet, there are numerous advertisements for gifts, decorations, and food items associated with the holiday. While this can help keep traditions alive, it can also commercialize and sometimes alter the original meaning and practices of these customs.

Do some countries celebrate traditions more than others?

Yes, some countries celebrate traditions more than others. In countries with a strong cultural heritage and a sense of national identity, traditional celebrations are often more prominent and frequent. For instance, countries like China, India, and Japan have numerous festivals and ceremonies that are widely observed. In contrast, countries that are more culturally diverse or have a greater influence of modern and globalized lifestyles might have fewer traditional celebrations.

Are there any customs in your country that visitors might find strange?

Visitors to Vietnam might find some customs strange, such as the practice of eating certain foods for good luck during Tet, like boiled chicken with lemon leaves. Another custom is the burning of votive paper, which represents money and goods, during ancestor worship ceremonies. Additionally, the practice of taking off shoes before entering someone's home and the use of specific, polite language forms to show respect might be unfamiliar to some visitors.

How do people greet each other in your country? Has it changed from the past?

In Vietnam, people traditionally greet each other with a slight bow and by saying "Xin chao." In more formal settings, a handshake may accompany the greeting, especially among men. Elders are often greeted with more pronounced bows to show respect. In recent times, especially among younger people and in urban areas, greetings have become more informal, and Western-style handshakes and hugs are becoming more common.

If someone came to your country from overseas, what advice would you give?

If someone came to Vietnam from overseas, I would advise them to learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to help with daily interactions and show respect for the local culture. It's also important to be aware of and follow local customs, such as taking off shoes before entering a home and using both hands when giving or receiving something. Trying local foods and participating in cultural activities can enhance their experience. Lastly, being mindful of traffic rules and safety, especially in busy cities like Ho Chi Minh, is crucial.

Speaking about Customs and Traditions

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about customs

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about meetings

Let’s talk about your family

Let’s talk about your family

Let’s talk about your family

Let’s talk about your family

Let’s talk about your family

Listen to an Example Part 2 Answer

Describe your favorite traditional festival

Customs and Traditions Speaking Part 3

What role do ceremonies play in the social life of people in your country?

What traditions were important for your grandparents?

Which traditions are we likely to continue to celebrate in the future?

How would you describe young people's attitudes towards tradition?

Do you think customs and traditions are changing these days?

Do you think traditions and customs are affected by advertising?

Do some countries celebrate traditions more than others?

Are there any customs in your country that visitors might find strange?

How do people greet each other in your country? Has it changed from the past?

If someone came to your country from overseas, what advice would you give?

Speaking about Customs and Traditions

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about customs

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about festivals

Let’s talk about meetings

Let’s talk about your family

Let’s talk about your family

Let’s talk about your family

Let’s talk about your family

Let’s talk about your family

Listen to an Example Part 2 Answer

Describe your favorite traditional festival

Customs and Traditions Speaking Part 3

What role do ceremonies play in the social life of people in your country?

What traditions were important for your grandparents?

Which traditions are we likely to continue to celebrate in the future?

How would you describe young people's attitudes towards tradition?

Do you think customs and traditions are changing these days?

Do you think traditions and customs are affected by advertising?

Do some countries celebrate traditions more than others?

Are there any customs in your country that visitors might find strange?

How do people greet each other in your country? Has it changed from the past?

If someone came to your country from overseas, what advice would you give?

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