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This is a general guide to
aid your policies, practice and procedures to ensure the
best outcome for people using your services. This document
can assist you to become more culturally competent by
learning how to understand and communicate with consumers
from a Vietnamese background with a disability.
Vietnamese cultural practice/
experience
Migration process
Many Vietnamese people in Australia see themselves as
'refugees' even though many have come as migrants under the
family reunion category. In addition, there continues to be
a relatively high incidence of mental illness in the
Vietnamese community due to the traumatic experiences of
living in Vietnam (torture and persecution) and trying to
flee from Vietnam (rape and killings).
Some possible practice
implications
For practitioners this might mean that many Vietnamese
people: know little about Australia; might have difficulties
with the English language; and, might be more likely to be
closely connected to their own community. Practitioners need
to be aware that the traumatic experiences may have an
impact on the mental health of their consumers.
Vietnamese cultural practice/
experience
No social welfare system
in Vietnam
Many Vietnamese people are unfamiliar with the
Australian welfare system and many do not know what services
are available. In Vietnam the few services that are
available are usually only provided to people who are
members of the Community Party. There are virtually no
non-government services other than a few provided by
international agencies. There is no Vietnamese equivalent to
the Australian service system and people would be unfamiliar
with such a system.
Some possible practice
implications
Practitioners may need to explain what services they offer
and what other services are available; avoid any jargon or,
if using it, clearly explain the meaning; and, check with
people that they know about the services they and others can
offer. It is also important that practitioners ask about any
specific needs and then seek to find services to meet those
needs.
Vietnamese cultural practice/
experience
Culture of compliance and
the role of the Government
Traditionally, asking for anything or complaining about
the lack or quality of service is not done in the Vietnamese
culture. Traditionally, Vietnamese children are taught to
listen and not to speak. Many Vietnamese people have, at
best, an uneasy relationship with their Government. Even
today some Vietnamese people believe that they cannot go
back to Vietnam as they fear they would be
arrested.
Some possible practice
implications
In contrast to the Vietnamese system, the Australian system
is based on a system of demand and complaint. As services
frequently respond best to those that express their need the
loudest and the most clearly, Vietnamese people frequently
miss out. Services and practitioners need to be aware and
need to take extra care in assisting Vietnamese people to
articulate their needs and make extra efforts in offering
services. Also, there is some suspicion about some
government services and many are unclear about the
relationship between government and non-government service
providers.
Vietnamese cultural practice/
experience
Health and disability
Traditionally, there are many ways of explaining ill
health and disability. Many of those explanations lie in the
supernatural and spiritual realm. Traditionally, there is
also little understanding and trust in Western medicine.
Many people therefore, use traditional methods of healing
exclusively, or in combination with Western
medicine.
Some possible practice
implications
Practitioners need to acknowledge the explanations given
about disability and ill health and, wherever possible,
incorporate these into a treatment, care or action plan. The
most obvious of those non-Western methods of healing include
meditation, relaxation and particular diets. As general
practitioners play a crucial role as the first step into the
health system, practitioners would do well to link with
their local Vietnamese speaking GP. Buddhism has a great
influence on the thinking and behaviour of Vietnamese
people. Ill health and disability may be seen either as
punishment or as an opportunity for learning.
Vietnamese cultural practice/
experience
Greetings and body
language
A traditional Vietnamese greeting would include the
slight bowing of the head with the hands joined together in
front of the body at chest level as a sign of respect.
Traditionally, older people are greeted first. Males might
shake hands (women don't) and, whilst there is little
physical contact between men and women in public, public
physical contact between people of the same gender is quite
common. Eye contact with elders or people in positions of
power is traditionally considered impolite. Smiling is a
common facial expression, and guessing the meaning of the
smile is almost impossible even for Vietnamese people.
Some possible practice
implications
Practitioners might be safest in simply copying the
greetings directed towards them. Bowing with hands in front
of one's chest seems to be the safest option when greeting,
especially initially. All practitioners need to understand
two key features of commonly displayed Vietnamese body
language: a smile means little and cannot be read; and,
seeking eye contact may be considered impolite.
Vietnamese cultural practice/
experience
Names
The traditional order of names is surname, middle name,
first name. However, many Vietnamese people change the order
of their names to comply with Australian culture. The
middles names 'Thi' and 'Van' indicate gender - 'Thi'
indicates female and 'Van" indicates male. Women do not
change their family name when they marry.
Some possible practice
implications
Practitioners might need to check first names and surnames
as some Vietnamese people may have "anglo-cised" the order
of their names. 'Tran' and 'Nguyen' are common Vietnamese
surnames.
Vietnamese cultural practice/
experience
The role of family
Traditionally, the family unit is the centre of society,
with all supports and welfare provided by the family. The
family is often seen as the only place of safety.
Traditionally, 'family' means the extended family including
grandparents, parents and children. Disclosure of
difficulties and problems outside the family is seen as
losing face and honour. Personal failure or misfortune is
seen as the failure of the whole family and having a 'good
name' is seen by many as more important than material
possessions. The migration process has resulted in a
breakdown of the traditional extended family structure. Most
Vietnamese families now live in a nuclear family structure.
In addition, as with many migrant communities, there can be
conflict between first and second generation
migrants.
Some possible practice
implications
For practitioners it is crucial to work together with the
whole family wherever appropriate and possible. However, it
is important not to assume that a person has an extended
family network - the support and care needs of a person with
a disability might be met by only one person in the
family.
Vietnamese cultural practice/
experience
Gender Roles
Respect is still afforded to the head of the family
(male). Traditionally, the head of the family is the sole
income earner and central power base of the family.
Traditionally, qualities such as endurance, suffering and
sacrifice are the most valued in women. However, changes in
Vietnamese society have also meant changes to the
traditional roles for women.
Some possible practice
implications
Practitioners need to be aware of the traditional, yet
changing, gender roles when working with families. In this
context it is important that women do all the caring work.
Vietnamese cultural practice/
experience
The meaning of 'Yes' and
'No'
A straight and empathic 'No' is often considered
impolite and is hardly ever used. A 'Yes' response to a
question might simply mean 'Yes, I heard the question'. For
example, a question such as "Do you want a cup of tea?"
might get a response of 'Yes. I had tea just a minute ago'
which basically means 'No'.
Some possible practice
implications
No' certainly means no, but 'Yes' does not mean yes. For
practitioners, the key point here is to allow enough time
for communication and to listen to what is said after the
'Yes'. If unsure, it is best to ask the question again or
seek clarification.
>MDAA
Factsheet -
 Some
Vietnamese Cultural Practices and their Implications for
Service Providers
>Vietnamese
General Information
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Specific Contacts and Links
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