Meet Vietnam: Family Life, Language, and Colorful Traditions

Vietnam is a country full of color, tradition, and joy. With 54 different ethnic groups, each with its own customs, Vietnam has one of the most diverse cultures in Southeast Asia. From traditional family values to joyful festivals, Vietnamese culture is a beautiful blend of local traditions, Chinese and French influences, and modern touches. Let’s take a fun journey through the heart of Vietnamese life!

A Blend of Many Cultures

Vietnamese culture has grown and changed over thousands of years. Long ago, it was influenced by China, especially during centuries of Chinese rule. Later, during the 1800s and 1900s, France also had a strong presence in Vietnam. Instead of losing their identity, the Vietnamese people combined these foreign elements with their own traditions. The result? A unique culture that is both traditional and open to the world.

For example, Vietnamese families often have three generations living together—just like in traditional Chinese homes. After marriage, many women move in with their husband’s family and help care for the grandparents. These customs show how much family and respect for elders matter in Vietnam.

Everyday Life and Respect for Learning

In Vietnam, education is very important, and teachers are deeply respected. There’s even a special day called Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, when students visit their current or former teachers with flowers and kind wishes. It’s a wonderful way to show love and gratitude for those who help children learn and grow.

Discipline is also part of Vietnamese culture. Parents often believe in guiding children strictly after early childhood, although this is changing in modern times. Still, the core values remain the same: respect, learning, and family unity.

A Touch of French in Vietnamese

You might be surprised to learn that some Vietnamese words come from French! This is because of the time France ruled Vietnam. For example:

• Cà phê = coffee (from French café)
• Áo sơ mi = shirt (from French chemise)
• Ca ra vát = necktie (from French cravate)

This blending of languages makes Vietnamese especially interesting and fun to explore!

Tet: The Most Important Holiday

If there is one festival you should know about, it’s Tet, or Tet Nguyen Dan—Vietnamese New Year. It’s the biggest and most important celebration of the year. It starts on the first day of the lunar calendar and marks the beginning of spring. Families travel long distances to be together, decorate their homes, and cook traditional foods.

Some of the must-have dishes during Tet include:

• Banh chung – a square cake made of sticky rice, pork, and green beans, wrapped in dong leaves and boiled
• Pickled onions – a tangy favorite on Tet tables

Children love Tet, too! On the first morning of the new year, they wear new clothes, greet their elders with kind wishes, and receive “lucky money” in red envelopes. This tradition is believed to bring them health, happiness, and good luck in the year ahead.

Holding On to Cultural Values

Even though Vietnam is changing with modern life, core values remain strong. People continue to remind one another to:

• Put family first
• Build a good reputation
• Keep a strong love of learning
• Show respect for others

These are the values that shape Vietnamese life, from city streets to countryside villages.

Learning Vietnamese Culture and Language with Dinolingo

For kids curious about Vietnamese language and traditions, Dinolingo makes learning fun and exciting. With playful videos, games, flashcards, and songs, children ages 2 to 14 can explore Vietnamese while discovering the stories, customs, and festivals that make the culture so special.

Dinolingo is available on web, iOS, and Android, and one subscription can be shared with up to six users. Parents can track progress through a dashboard, and offline activities like printable worksheets make learning even more hands-on. It’s the perfect way to connect language learning with cultural discovery.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese culture is rich in history, filled with warmth, and grounded in strong family values. From its beautiful holidays like Tet to the small joys of learning and togetherness, there’s so much for children to explore and appreciate. Whether you’re learning Vietnamese at home or just curious about the country, each tradition is a doorway to something wonderful