Polite behavior is highly valued. One of the most important dimensions of politeness is for the young to show respect to their elders. In everyday life, younger people show this respect by using hierarchical terms of address when interacting with their seniors and parents regularly instruct their children on their proper usage. Younger people should also be the first to issue the common salutation chao when meeting someone older, should always invite their seniors to begin eating before they do, ask for permission to leave the house, announce their arrival when they return, and not dominate conversations or speak in a confrontational manner with their seniors. Prerevolutionary practices demanded that juniors bow or kowtow to their seniors, but the revolution has largely eliminated such practices. Many elders today feel that the revolution produced a general decline in politeness.
People of the same gender often maintain close proximity in social contexts. Both males and females will hold hands or sit very close together. People of different genders, however, especially if they are not married or related, should not have physical contact. In general woman are expected to maintain greater decorum than men by avoiding alcohol and tobacco, speaking quietly, and dressing modestly. In many public spaces, however, people often avoid standing in queues, resulting in a chaotic environment where people touch or press up against one another as they go about their business.
To address people formally, use Mr. or Ms. or a title plus the first name. There are also several other honorific forms when addressing people of different relationships in Vietnamese, but they are not used in English.
To address people formally, use Mr. or Ms. or a title plus the first name. There are also several other honorific forms when addressing people of different relationships in Vietnamese, but they are not used in English.
Many may greet by bowing slightly. Usually, elders or higher ranking people are greeted first (the family head).
o avoid confrontation or disrespect, many will not vocalize disagreement.
Praising someone profusely is often regarded as flattery, and sometimes even mockery. Most people are very modest and deflect praise.
Insults to elders or ancestors are very serious and often lead to severed social ties.