How to Drink Politely in Vietnam

TL;DR

In Vietnam, drinking culture involves specific etiquette, such as using respectful pronouns and ensuring glasses are lower than those of older people. The youngest often pours drinks, and drinking is often communal. Comparatively, other countries like Hungary and the US have different customs, focusing less on hierarchy and more on casual gatherings.

Transcript

One two three, yo! Two three, yo! Two three, drink! Hi everyone. Welcome back to Tieng Viet Oi’s Youtube channel. I am Thanh, and in today’s video, my friends and I will share about the drinking cultures in Vietnam and also in many places around the world. Stay tuned! Eat, eat! Drink! Drink! Wish you good health. Thank you. So Daniel, how can we be... Read More

Key Insights

• Vietnamese drinking culture emphasizes politeness, including using specific pronouns and keeping glasses lower than those of elders.
• In Hungary, politeness involves saying 'wish you good health' and making eye contact while drinking.
• In Vietnam, the youngest person typically pours drinks for others during gatherings.
• In the US, people often drink at their own pace, but may occasionally drink together at specific moments during a meal.
• Vietnamese gatherings often involve snacks like boiled peanuts and cucumbers, while American gatherings might include nachos and French fries.
• The practice of forcing people to drink is present in Vietnam but is becoming less common.
• In Vietnam, one person often pays for the entire group, whereas in the US, people might split the bill or take turns paying.
• Drinking with strangers is less common in Hungary and the US, but in Vietnam, foreigners may be approached by locals for drinks and photos.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is drinking etiquette observed in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, drinking etiquette is observed by using respectful pronouns and ensuring one's glass is lower than those of older individuals. The youngest person often pours drinks for others, and communal drinking is common. This reflects a cultural emphasis on respect and hierarchy during social gatherings.

Q: What are common snacks during drinking in Vietnam?

Common snacks during drinking in Vietnam include boiled peanuts, cucumbers dipped in chili salt, and fermented pork rolls. These snacks are typically enjoyed alongside alcoholic beverages during social gatherings, reflecting the local culinary preferences and traditions associated with drinking culture.

Q: How does drinking culture in Vietnam compare to the US?

In Vietnam, drinking is often communal, with specific etiquette like using respectful pronouns and the youngest pouring drinks. In contrast, in the US, people drink at their own pace, and paying for drinks might involve splitting the bill or taking turns. Snacks also differ, with Vietnamese gatherings featuring local delicacies.

Q: Is forcing people to drink common in Vietnam?

Forcing people to drink has been a part of Vietnamese drinking culture, but this practice is becoming less common as cultural norms evolve. People are increasingly respecting individual choices regarding alcohol consumption, reflecting a shift towards more personal autonomy in social settings.

Q: How do people pay for drinks in Vietnamese gatherings?

In Vietnamese gatherings, it is common for one person to pay for the entire group as a gesture of generosity or to show off wealth. However, this can vary, and sometimes people may settle their shares afterward through private arrangements or by alternating who pays during different occasions.

Q: Do people in Vietnam drink with strangers?

In Vietnam, especially when foreigners are involved, locals may approach strangers to drink and take photos, showcasing a friendly and hospitable culture. This contrasts with countries like Hungary and the US, where drinking with strangers is less common unless in specific social situations.

Q: What is the significance of eye contact in Hungarian drinking culture?

In Hungarian drinking culture, making eye contact while saying 'wish you good health' is a sign of politeness and respect. This practice highlights the importance of direct interaction and acknowledgment of others during social drinking, differentiating it from some other cultural drinking practices.

Q: What types of snacks are common in American drinking culture?

In American drinking culture, common snacks include nachos and French fries, which are often served in bars and casual dining settings. These snacks complement alcoholic beverages and are typically shared among friends during social gatherings, reflecting the casual and relaxed nature of American drinking customs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Vietnamese drinking culture involves specific etiquette, such as using respectful pronouns and ensuring glasses are lower than those of older people. Drinking is often communal, with the youngest pouring drinks. Snacks like boiled peanuts and cucumbers are common during gatherings.

• In Hungary, politeness involves saying 'wish you good health' and making eye contact. In the US, people drink at their own pace but might share a drink at specific moments. Paying for drinks varies, with Vietnamese often having one person pay for the group.

• Drinking with strangers is less common in Hungary and the US, but in Vietnam, foreigners may be approached by locals for drinks and photos. The practice of forcing people to drink is becoming less common in Vietnam, reflecting a shift in cultural practices.