What would you like to know about Southeast Asia?

TDoubled:D wrote:Did you know that in Vietnam people used to bow when greeting? Bowing is rarely seen in Vietnam anymore. People now prefer to shake hands when meeting others. (Western Influence). Men would offer handshakes when meeting other men. It's a little bit different with the women. Women, especially those from the countryside are still shy away from shaking hands. It's generally best not to offer a Vietnamese woman a handshake unless she offers first.

Many Vietnamese still prefer to be introduced by an aquaintance or when they are asked to. This is seen as shyness or too modest to Western culture.

Names are very important in Vietnam. Many Vietnamese have secret names that are known and revealed only to their families and close friends. In Vietnam, the family name comes first, then the middle name, and then the last name. Vietnamese do not call people by their last names. For example, John Smith is called Mr. Smith, but in Vietnam it's actually the first name that follows Mr. It should be called Mr. John in Vietnam.

Well, that's my lesson for the day.

TDoubled:D wrote:Wow this is so interesting! they have secret names... i wish i had a secret name and i like the fact that they call people by their first names and not last names

You're doing a good job, Lake. Thank you for all these good information!

TDoubled:D wrote:No problem Joe. Glad to be helpful to this forum.

TDoubled:D wrote:Hey, if anyone want to know something about SE Asia post your question and i'll try to answer my best.

Hey Lake, do you know how to make Nem chua? The fermented pink pork?? If you can get the exact recipe for me it would be great. You are doing a good job, Lake. I try to learn some Vietnamese cultures throughout you!! Thanks!

joseph wrote:

TDoubled:D wrote:Hey, if anyone want to know something about SE Asia post your question and i'll try to answer my best.

Hey Lake, do you know how to make Nem chua? The fermented pink pork?? If you can get the exact recipe for me it would be great. You are doing a good job, Lake. i try to learn some Vietnamese cultures throughout you!! Thanks!

viet364 wrote:I guess not many people interested much in SE Asia? Especially Vietnam having over 50 ethnic groups.

Like H'mong if you want to court a girl you have to kidnap her. I think the kidnappers leave dowries. Or the girls would attach coins or something to their dresses so it make noises when they walk. This is so people know they are approaching. I'm probably mixing them up with another ethnic group but I'm just recalling a documentary I saw on PBS years ago.