Culture Gap Report

VIETNAM
A Glimpse into
Vietnamese Culture
This presentation explores the rich history,
traditions, and values that shape Vietnamese
culture. From its ancient origins to its modern-
day expressions, we'll delve into the unique
aspects that make Vietnam a fascinating and
vibrant nation.
PART I: HISTORY
A History of Resilience
Ancient Roots Golden Age
Vietnam's history dates back to The Ly, Tran, Ho, and Le So
the 7th century B.C. with the dynasties marked a golden age for
establishment of the Van Lang Vietnam, characterized by
State, the first state in the economic prosperity, cultural
country. This period saw the development, and the rise of
development of the Red River traditional beliefs, Buddhism, and
Civilization, known for its Confucianism.
advanced agriculture and bronze
craftsmanship, symbolized by the
Dong Son bronze drum.
Ancient Roots and the Red River Civilization
Cradle of Civilization Red River Civilization

Vietnam's history dates back to The Van Lang and Au Lac

the Dong Son Era, a period inhabitants created a civilization
marked by the development of that influenced Southeast Asia,
wet rice farming and the stone characterized by a diverse economy
and metallurgical revolutions. and advanced culture. The Dong
This era laid the foundation for Son bronze drum, a symbol of this
the Van Lang State, the first civilization, reflects the traditions
state in Vietnam, established in and culture of the ancient
the 7th century B.C. Vietnamese people.
Resilience and Unity

Throughout its history, Vietnam has faced

numerous challenges, including natural
disasters and foreign invasions. The
Vietnamese people have demonstrated
resilience, unity, and a strong sense of
patriotism.
A Golden Age of Development
1 Bach Dang Victory
The Bach Dang victory in 938 marked the beginning of
an independent feudal state in Vietnam, leading to the
establishment of the Ngo, Dinh, and Earlier Le
Dynasties.

2 Renaissance and Development

The Ly, Tran, Ho, and Le So Dynasties ushered in a
period of renaissance and development, with
advancements in agriculture, irrigation, and
traditional handicrafts.

3 Golden Age of Dai Viet

Dai Viet, the name of the country during this period, was known
as a prosperous nation in Asia, marked by the flourishing of
Buddhism, Confucianism, and traditional beliefs.
PART II:
COUNTRY PROFILE
Modern Vietnam: A
Balancing Act
1 Economic Growth 2 Political Landscape
Vietnam has Vietnam is a
experienced one-party
rapid economic Communist
growth, state, unified
becoming one of since 1975 after
Southeast Asia's decades of war.
fastest-growing
economies.
A Tapestry of Traditions
Demographic Trends
Languages
Vietnam’s population experienced rapid growth
• Austroasiatic languages:
in the decade following reunification in 1975.
Vietnamese is the official
Throughout the 1980s, roughly two-fifths of the
language of Vietnam.
• Austronesian languages: Many population was under age 15. Toward the end of
Montagnard peoples - such as the decade, however, birth rates began to
the Rade, Jarai, Chru, and Roglai decline, dropping from well above to notably
- speak Austronesian languages. below the world average over the next 20 years.
Life expectancy simultaneously increased by
nearly 15 years over that period.
A Tapestry of Traditions
Economic Indicators
Population
GDP (2023): ~$411 billion USD.
~98 million (2023 estimate).
GDP Per Capita: ~$4,200 USD.
Ethnic Groups Key Exports: Electronics, textiles, footwear,
Majority Kinh (85%), with 53 and rice.
minority groups, including Unemployment Rate: ~2.1%
Tay, Hmong, and Khmer
 Resources and Power
Mineral deposits, mainly in the north, include large
reserves of anthracite coal, lime, phosphates, iron
ore, barite, chromium ore, tin, zinc, lead, and gold.
Coal production is the most important sector of the
mining industry. Production was subsequently
boosted from existing gas-fired thermal generators
and hydroelectric stations, new hydroelectric plants
were constructed, and a power line was completed to
connect the country’s northern and southern regions.
PART III:

PRESENTATION AND
ANALYSIS OF CULTURE
 Enduring Values and Traditions
Folkways Mores Fashions, Fads, and Crazes
• Greeting by bowing or • Respect for elders and
• Traditional áo dài is iconic,
nodding is common, filial piety are central but Western fashion is
reflecting respect. values. gaining popularity among
• Sharing meals family- • Gender roles remain the youth.
style is integral to traditional but are • Karaoke and social media
social bonding. trends dominate
evolving in urban areas.
entertainment
 Enduring Values and Traditions
Laws Institutions

• The socialist legal • The family is a cornerstone

system regulates land of Vietnamese society, with
ownership and public strong communal values.
expression, reflecting • Education is highly valued,
communist principles. with Confucian ideals
influencing its structure.
 Values and Cultural Identity
Food as Culture Harmony and Balance
Family First

Vietnamese culture places a Food is a central part of Confucianism influences

high value on family, with multi- Vietnamese culture, with Vietnamese values, emphasizing
generational households meals often shared with family harmony, community, and moral
common. Respect for elders and and friends. It's a way to conduct. It promotes a sense of
loyalty within the family are connect, celebrate, and balance and respect in all
paramount. express love. relationships.
Weddings and Funerals:
Rituals and Respect
Wedding Ceremony
Vietnamese weddings are elaborate affairs,
starting with a proposal ceremony, engagement
ceremony, and months of preparation. The
wedding day involves lighting incense, praying,
exchanging rings and drinks, and a celebratory
feast.
Funeral Rituals
Vietnamese funerals emphasize respect for the deceased and
their afterlife. Close relatives wear white robes and
headbands, while others wear white headbands. The body is
prepared with a wake lasting three to five days, followed by a
funeral procession led by the eldest son.
Cultural Symbols and Expressions

Dragons Turtles Phoenix Unicorn

Dragons, symbolizing power Turtles, representing The phoenix, symbolizing Unicorns, representing
and good fortune, are one of longevity and wisdom, are rebirth and beauty, is a purity and grace, are often
the four holy animals in another important cultural revered creature in depicted in Vietnamese art
Vietnamese culture. symbol. Vietnamese mythology. and literature.
Art, Literature, Music, and Dance

Art Forms Music and Dance

Vietnamese art is influenced by Buddhism, Vietnam has a rich tradition of dance and music, with
Taoism, and Confucianism. Silk painting, variations across different regions. The Imperial Court music
calligraphy, and woodblock prints are popular and Ca Tru are important traditional forms, while Vovinam, a
art forms, reflecting the country's rich artistic traditional martial art, reflects the country's spiritual and
heritage. cultural heritage.
Faiths and Beliefs

1 Buddhism

2 Catholicism

3 Cao Dai

4 Hoa Hao

5 Protestantism

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Vietnam, followed by Catholicism, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao, and
Protestantism. These faiths contribute to the diverse cultural landscape of the country.
PART IV:

CULTURE-RELATED
ISSUES
1. Freedom of Expression, Opinion, and Speech

• Political dissidents and human rights activists face systematic harassment, intimidation, arbitrary

arrest, abuses in custody, and imprisonment. Vietnam currently holds more than 160 people in prison

for peacefully exercising their basic civil and political rights. During the first nine months of 2022,

the courts convicted at least 27 people for voicing criticism of the government, and campaigning on

human rights, environment, or democracy causes, and sentenced them to long prison sentences.

2. Freedom of Media, Access to Information

• The government prohibits independent or privately owned media outlets, and imposes strict control

over radio and television stations, and print publications. Authorities block access to websites,

frequently shut down blogs, and require internet service providers to remove content or social media

accounts deemed politically unacceptable.

3. Freedom of Movement

• The government routinely violates the right to freedom of movement and other basic rights by

subjecting activists, dissidents, human rights defenders, and others to indefinite house arrest,

harassment, and other forms of detention. Authorities frequently detain activists just long enough to

prevent them attending public protests, trialsof fellow activists, meetings with foreign diplomats,

and other human rights-related events.

4. Freedom of Religion

• The government restricts religious practice through legislation, registration requirements, and surveillance.

Religious groups must get approval from, and register with, the government and operate under

government-controlled management boards. While authorities allow government-affiliated churches and

pagodas to hold worship services, they ban religious activities that they arbitrarily deem to be contrary to the

“national interest,” “public order,” or “national unity,” including many ordinary types of religious functions.
5. Children’s Rights

• Violence against children, including sexual abuse, is pervasive in Vietnam, including at home and

in schools. Numerous media reports have described cases of guardians, teachers, or government

caregivers engaging in sexual abuse, beating children, or hitting them with sticks.

6. Women’s Rights

• In April, poet Da Thao Phuong publicly accused a former colleague of raping her 23 years ago and

explained how the case was hushed up. The case spread quickly over social media, inspiring hopes

that it would serve as a springboard for growth of a #MeToo movement in Vietnam, but there was little

follow up and the authorities took no action.

7. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

• In recent years, the Vietnamese government has taken modest strides to recognize the rights of

lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, including by removing prohibitions on

same-sex relationships and legal gender change.

 PART V:

INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT
CULTURE ISSUES IN THE SOCIETY
1. The Vietnamese culture has a history stretching back thousands of years. Going through various wars as

well as ups and downs, many positive values such as patriotism, bravery, adaptability, tolerance,

community spirit, compassion, righteousness, and industriousness have been crystalized and formed.

2. Vietnam is home to a diverse and rich culture which has been formed and enriched for thousands of years.

Its cultural resources are not only abundant and varied in forms but also valuable in many aspects, which

has been well recognized regionally and internationally.

3. The legal framework regarding culture has been gradually bettered. Over the past years, many documents

have been either adopted or amended and supplemented, creating a sufficient and favorable legal

corridor for cultural activities.

4. The policy of “socializing” cultural activities has earned some practical outcomes, initially mobilizing

numerous resources in the society. Socializing serves as an important solution, aiming at attracting

social resources and economic sectors to participate in organizing and popularizing cultural activities.
5. In addition to enormous efforts to preserve and uphold traditional arts forms, cultural and art products

have become increasingly diverse with different forms, expression methods, styles and themes.

6. The developed economy and improved living standard have given a boost to the formation of a cultural

consumption market with increasing demand. Culture, once known as a field mostly of dissemination

values, has become the one with high economic values.

7. Cultural international cooperation has been enhanced, introducing the image, culture and people of

Vietnam to the world and creating the “soft power” for the country.
8. Information and technology, especially mass communications, have experienced great advances. In fact,

more investment has been put into information and communication and Internet infrastructure. Also,

press activities have been continuously renovated and well matched with those in the world.

9. Various cultural movements and campaigns have been launched and well implemented with outstanding

achievements, which helps to protect and uphold national traditional values. Cultural, traditional and

moral values have been praised, while people’s creativity, self-control and proactiveness have been

upheld and promoted.

Conclusion
Vietnam's culture is a tapestry woven from
ancient traditions, enduring values, and
modern influences. Understanding its
history, traditions, and values provides a
deeper appreciation for this fascinating
nation. Further exploration of Vietnamese
culture can be achieved through research,
travel, and engagement with Vietnamese
communities.
A Culture of Resilience
and Harmony

Vietnamese culture, with its deep history,

rich traditions, and enduring values, is a
testament to the resilience and harmony of
the Vietnamese people. From its ancient
roots to its modern expressions, Vietnam
continues to captivate and inspire the
world.
 PRESENTED BY:

Ma’am Claripaz Figueroa

Ma’am Jonah Lopez

Sir Christopher Jaranilla

THANK YOU!