Vietnamese
Language/Communication Styles
Perhaps the most important gesture that one can take before questioning or examining one's patient is to greet that person. If one knows the word "hello" in another person's native language, and tries to use that word in greeting the person, that simple gesture can instantly show the patient that the doctor has concern for him or her. Here's how to say "Hello" in Vietnamese: To show respect, especially to an older man, say "Chao ong." (jow ohm). To an older woman, say "Chao ba." (jow ba). (Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America. Vol. 3, pg. 1847).
The Vietnamese language is characterized by the use of different tones, similar to the Chinese language. There are several variations throughout Vietnam; for example, in the North there are six tones and in the South there are only five (Rutledge, p. 54). The Vietnamese alphabet has twelve vowels, seventeen consonants, and no conjugated verbs (Rutledge, p. 55).
All questions are asked and answered in the negative (Rutledge, p. 55). For example, "Are you feeling ok?" is actually asked "You have been feeling ok have you not?", and the positive answer would be "No I have not".
It is important to remember that gestures and words indicating agreement may be a way of showing respect rather than understanding.
Yes is said so frequently due to the respect that they hold for people in the medical profession, but often times a patient may not understand what you are saying.
In order to ensure clarity between the doctor and the patient, what needs to be done, and why, must be explained clearly, and perhaps in several ways to ensure that the patient understands. Also, the doctor must understand why the patient did/did not do something that they were supposed to do. This is extremely important for medical staff to keep in mind when questioning the Vietnamese about the reason for their visit and the symptoms they are experiencing, as well as questions regarding medication.
Every Vietnamese person has three names; a family name, a middle name, and a given name. There are very few family names used throughout Vietnam, and the middle name of a person most often distinguishes their sex (Rutledge, p. 55). The appropriate way to refer to a patient is using his or her given name. For example, Vu Hong Khai would be referred to as Mr./Mrs. Khai.
The majority of the Vietnamese who have settled in Utica have become somewhat accustomed to the Western way of meeting and greeting people, however some of the older Vietnamese still hold traditional views.
When greeting a patient of the opposite sex, it is considered impolite to look them in the eyes. or with any person older than yourself "Through the Eyes of Others: Is Healthcare Culturally Competent" 1995).
Some women may become offended if touched by the opposite sex. With both sexes, tapping a person on the head is considered an insult to that person's dignity. When summoning a Vietnamese person do not wave a finger or wave them towards you with your palm facing up. This gesture is used for dogs and children and may be highly offensive.
The acceptable way of gesturing somebody towards you, is to hold your palm down and wave your fingers.
Although many Vietnamese refugees are relocated to Utica and the surrounding area, there are not many people in this area who speak Vietnamese. It is assumed that many Vietnamese will simply begin speaking and interacting in English as soon as they arrive in the country. However, this is not always that easy and the transition takes time. Having a translator available is crucial, especially in a medical situation! As Anne Fadiman shows us in her book The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down however, this person must not only serve to transmit understanding of facts through language, but understanding of culture as well.
Vietnamese
