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A simple Vietnam trip can enhance your personality as well as teach you a better lifestyle, all with grace and richness of culture and tradition. Below are some general notes that help you to be polite and offers you a hassle free access to the South Asian country as well as provides a close interaction with Vietnamese culture and people.
As Vietnam is known as the country with rich culture, most of the Vietnamese whether in urban areas or countryside bow to greet. When they meet each other in formal gatherings, at the religious place, and in the country areas, you can see the people clasp their hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. Which shows their friendliness and calm nature?
Thou, the custom of handshaking, formerly considered as barbaric, but now achieving popularity due to the Western influence. Here, men will generally shake hands along with say the equivalent of "how are you" and tip their hats for greeting people whereas women, especially in the countryside, still shy away from shaking hands.
The populace of Vietnam thinks twice before introducing their selves to outsiders, this being rather bold and like to have a mutual acquaintance make the introduction. And, they will rarely introduce themselves until asked to do so, due to the innate shyness and modesty.
In Vietnam names carry greater importance. Often they will have secret names, known only to themselves and their family. And they believe that, if it is given away, the person is exposed to evil spirits. Family names are seldom used outside. Kids are often called names in rank of birth.
You should call Vietnamese by Mr., Mrs., or Miss until asked to go on with first name. You should call people with Mr., Mrs., Miss followed by their first name. And, if this is not done, it may show great intimacy or friendliness. Even, sometimes it also be interpreted as being arrogant treatment.
Vietnamese names consist of a family name, middle name and a personal or given name. So, call them by their first name preceded by Mr., Miss or Mrs. With a quiet voice. Waving with an upturned finger is considered impolite. If you want to tell someone to come toward you, do this by using the whole hand with the palm turned down. If you don't follow this would indicate superiority over the person being called. As well as never touch anyone on the head as this would be considered as a personal insult. Also, don't touch anyone on the shoulder as they believe that a genie resides there and it is undesirable to disturb him.
People have a habit of not looking into your eyes while talking. This is often because of shyness and respect as well as to indicate politeness. They smile sweetly while talking to show their politeness and respect. Even loud arguments are seldom heard among the Vietnamese. Don't ask negative questions. They love to be hospitable and will often invite you to dinner. Drink the tea that is offered, it shows that you are welcome and well respected.
There are lots more thing which offer basic knowledge to learn better lifestyle.
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