Focus: Explore your parent’s birthplace, childhood, family tree, and ancestral roots.
Questions
TẾT
Can you describe how Tết was celebrated in your family when you were a child?
What preparations and traditions were involved in your family’s Tết celebration?
Are there any particular foods, decorations, or activities that were essential during Tết?
How has the way you celebrate Tết changed or remained the same over the years?
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
What role does the Mid-Autumn Festival play in your family, and how do you celebrate it?
Can you describe the customs or traditions your family follows during the Mid-Autumn Festival?
How do you involve children in the celebration, and what activities do they enjoy the most?
Are there any particular stories, legends, or meanings associated with the festival that you share with your family?
FAMILY MILESTONES
How do you celebrate important family milestones, such as birthdays or anniversaries?
What customs or traditions do you follow when celebrating these personal milestones?
How do family and friends participate or contribute to these celebrations?
Are there any particular foods, gifts, or rituals that are important during these family events?
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
Can you talk about any traditional crafts or arts that you or your family practice?
What crafts or arts are important in your family, and how did you learn them?
How do you preserve and pass down these traditions to younger generations?
What significance do these crafts or arts hold for you personally and culturally?
VALUES
How do traditional values and beliefs influence your family life and interactions?
Can you discuss how values such as respect for elders or community harmony are practised in your family?
How do you teach and reinforce these values in your children?
Are there any specific customs or practices you follow to uphold these traditional values?
TRADITIONAL DISHES
What traditional dishes are important in your family, and how are they prepared for special occasions?
Can you share recipes or stories about dishes that have been passed down in your family?
How do you involve family members in the preparation of these dishes?
Are there any particular meanings or symbolism associated with these dishes during celebrations?
ANCESTOR WORSHIP
Can you describe the importance of ancestor worship and the rituals your family follows?
How do you observe ancestor worship in your daily life and during special occasions?
What rituals, offerings, or practices are involved in honouring your ancestors?
How do you explain the significance of ancestor worship to younger family members?
WOMEN’S DAY
How do you celebrate Vietnamese Women’s Day and honour the women in your family?
What activities or gestures do you prepare to celebrate and appreciate the women in your family?
How does this day foster respect and appreciation for women in your community?
Are there any particular traditions or customs you follow on Vietnamese Women's Day?
PUBLIC CELEBRATIONS
What cultural festivals or public celebrations do you participate in, and how do they bring the community together?
Can you describe a cultural festival or celebration that is particularly meaningful to you?
How do these events foster a sense of community and cultural pride?
Are there any specific activities, performances, or traditions that you look forward to during these celebrations?
PERFORMANCES
How do you enjoy traditional Vietnamese music, dance, or theatre with your family members?
Are there any particular forms of music, dance, or theatre that you enjoy or practice?
How do these artistic expressions contribute to your family’s cultural experience and celebrations?
How do you preserve and promote interest in these traditional arts among younger family members?
LUNAR CALENDAR
Can you talk about the significance of the lunar calendar and its influence on your family’s celebrations and rituals?
How do the lunar calendar and its cycles impact your family’s planning and observance of certain events or rituals?
Are there any specific days or periods that are particularly important to your family based on the lunar calendar?
How do you align modern daily life with the traditional lunar calendar in your family’s practices?
LUCK
What traditions do you follow to ensure good luck and prosperity during important celebrations or transitions?
Can you discuss any rituals, customs, or practises your family undertakes for good luck or prosperity?
How do these traditions influence your family's approach to new beginnings or important events?
Are there any specific symbols, items, or actions considered particularly auspicious in your family?
WEDDINGS
How does your family observe traditional wedding customs and ceremonies?
Can you describe the customs, rituals, or ceremonies involved in a traditional Vietnamese wedding in your family?
What are the roles of family members and the community during these wedding celebrations?
How do these traditions reflect the values and cultural heritage of your family?
CLOTHING
What is the role of traditional clothing, such as the áo dài, in your family’s celebrations and daily life?
On what occasions do you or your family members wear traditional clothing?
How does wearing traditional attire contribute to your family's cultural identity and expression?
Are there any specific customs or considerations related to traditional clothing that you observe?
STORIES
How do you preserve and share traditional Vietnamese stories, legends, or folklore with your family?
Are there any particular stories or legends that hold special meaning for your family?
How do you ensure that these stories are passed down and kept alive for younger generations?
What role do these stories play in your family’s understanding of cultural heritage and values?
GAMES
What traditional games or recreational activities do you enjoy with your family?
Can you discuss any traditional games or activities that your family participates in?
How do these activities foster bonding, fun, and cultural appreciation in your family?
Are there any specific occasions or settings in which you engage in these traditional games or activities?
HISTORY
How do you approach teaching your children about history and cultural heritage?
What methods or resources do you use to educate your children about their cultural background?
How do you balance the preservation of traditional heritage with the influences of modern life?
What importance do you place on your children’s understanding and appreciation of their cultural history?
CELEBRATING VIETNAMESE CULTURE
Can you discuss the importance of community events or gatherings in preserving and celebrating Vietnamese culture?
How do community events or gatherings contribute to your family’s cultural experience?
Are there any specific community events that you find particularly meaningful or enjoyable?
How do you and your family participate in or contribute to these community celebrations?
COMMUNITY MILESTONES
How do you celebrate the achievements or milestones of community members in a culturally respectful and celebratory manner?
What customs or traditions do you follow to acknowledge and celebrate community achievements?
How do these celebrations foster a sense of pride, unity, and support within the community?
Can you share an example of a community celebration that was particularly memorable or significant?
NATURE
What practices or rituals do you follow to maintain a connection with nature or the environment in accordance with Vietnamese traditions?
How do traditional Vietnamese beliefs or practices influence your family’s relationship with nature?
Are there any specific rituals or activities you undertake to honour or connect with the natural environment?
How do you instil an appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship in your family based on cultural practices?
PROVERBS
How do Vietnamese proverbs or sayings play a role in your family’s communication and value transmission?
Can you share any proverbs or sayings that are frequently used or particularly meaningful in your family?
How do these expressions contribute to your family’s understanding of cultural wisdom and values?
How do you ensure that the meanings and lessons of these proverbs are understood and appreciated by younger family members?
CULINARY TRADITIONS
Can you talk about the influence of Vietnamese culinary traditions on your family’s diet and meal preparation?
What traditional dishes or ingredients are staples in your family’s meals?
How do you preserve and pass down recipes or cooking techniques to younger generations?
How do these culinary traditions contribute to your family’s cultural identity and health?
NAME-GIVING
What is the significance of name-giving customs and considerations in your family’s traditions?
How do traditional beliefs or practices influence the naming of children in your family?
Are there any specific customs, rituals, or considerations followed during the name-giving process?
What importance do you believe names and their meanings hold in your family’s cultural heritage?
ETIQUETTE
How do you and your family observe and respect traditional Vietnamese etiquette and manners in social interactions?
What are the key aspects of traditional etiquette that you emphasise or practice in your family?
How do you teach and reinforce these manners and behaviours, especially to younger family members?
What role do you believe etiquette and respectful interaction play in preserving cultural values and harmony?
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Can you discuss the role of traditional Vietnamese medicine or healing practices in your family’s approach to health and well-being?
Are there any traditional remedies, treatments, or health practices that your family relies on?
How do these traditional approaches complement or integrate with modern medical practices in your family's life?
What significance or benefits do you attribute to these traditional health practices?
INDEPENDENCE DAY
How do you celebrate Vietnamese Independence Day with your family and community?
What customs, activities, or events are involved in your family’s celebration of National Day?
How does this celebration foster a sense of patriotism, unity, and cultural pride?
Are there any specific traditions or rituals that you find particularly meaningful during this national celebration?
PARENTING
What traditional Vietnamese parenting practices or beliefs do you adhere to or adapt in raising your children?
Can you discuss any specific parenting customs or wisdom that you incorporate into your family life?
How do these traditional practices influence your approach to discipline, education, or nurturing?
What balance do you strive for between traditional parenting methods and modern approaches?
ELDERS
Can you share how your family honours and celebrates the lives of elders or ancestors during special occasions or festivals?
What rituals, offerings, or practices are involved in honouring elders or ancestors in your family?
How do these practices reflect respect, gratitude, and continuity of heritage?
How do you involve younger family members in these rituals to ensure the appreciation and transmission of these traditions?
MUSIC AND POETRY
How does your family enjoy traditional Vietnamese music or poetry in celebrations or daily life?
Are there any particular forms of music or poetry that hold special meaning for your family?
How do these artistic expressions enhance your family’s cultural experiences or events?
How do you preserve and promote interest in these traditional arts among your family, especially younger generations?
SEASONAL RITUALS
Can you talk about the importance of community rituals or ceremonies in marking seasonal changes or agricultural events?
What community rituals or ceremonies are associated with seasons or agriculture in your cultural experience?
How do these events foster a connection to nature, community, and cultural roots?
Are there any specific customs or traditions you follow during these seasonal or agricultural celebrations?
VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE
How do you approach the preservation and teaching of Vietnamese language and dialects within your family?
What methods or practices do you use to ensure that your children learn and appreciate the Vietnamese language?
How do you view the importance of language as a carrier of culture and identity?
Are there any challenges you face in maintaining language proficiency or interest among younger family members?
MYTHS AND LEGENDS
What role do legends, myths, or spiritual beliefs play in your family's understanding of natural phenomena or life events?
Are there any particular legends, myths, or beliefs that you share with your family to explain or contextualise natural events or life experiences?
How do these stories or beliefs contribute to your family’s cultural identity or understanding of the world?
How do you ensure that these spiritual or mythological elements are respected and preserved in your family’s heritage?
ARCHITECTURE
Can you discuss how traditional Vietnamese architecture or home design influences your living space or family environment?
Are there any elements of traditional architecture or design that are incorporated into your home or local area?
How do these traditional elements contribute to the atmosphere, functionality, or aesthetic of your living space?
What importance do you place on preserving or adapting architectural traditions in modern living spaces?
HEROES
How do you celebrate and honour the achievements or contributions of notable Vietnamese figures in history, arts, or sciences within your family or community?
Are there any historical or contemporary figures that you particularly admire or celebrate?
How do you ensure that the stories and contributions of these individuals are known and appreciated by younger family members?
What activities, discussions, or commemorations do you engage in to honour these figures and their impact on culture and society?
SPORTS
What traditional Vietnamese sports or physical activities do you participate in or encourage in your family?
Are there any traditional sports or martial arts that you or your family practice?
How do these activities contribute to your family’s health, well-being, and cultural experience?
How do you promote interest and participation in these traditional physical activities among family members?
DIVERSITY
How do you address the integration or blending of different cultural traditions and practices in your family, especially in the context of a diverse or multicultural society?
Are there any aspects of your family’s cultural practices that have been adapted or influenced by other cultures?
How do you navigate and respect the blending of different cultural traditions in your family life?
What significance do you believe cultural integration holds for identity, harmony, and understanding in your family and community?
WATER
Can you discuss the significance of river or water-related festivals and rituals in your family’s cultural practices?
What customs or celebrations associated with rivers or water bodies are important in your family or community?
How do these rituals or festivals reflect your connection to nature, heritage, or spiritual beliefs?
Are there any specific activities, offerings, or practices involved in these water-related celebrations?
TECHNOLOGY
How do you approach the balance between modern technological influences and traditional cultural practices in your family life?
How do you integrate modern technology or lifestyles with traditional cultural values or practices?
What challenges or considerations do you encounter in maintaining this balance?
How do you ensure that traditional practices are preserved and valued alongside modern advancements?
HEALING
What role do traditional Vietnamese healing or wellness practices play in your family’s approach to health and well-being?
Are there any specific traditional remedies, treatments, or wellness practices that your family relies on?
How do these traditional approaches complement or integrate with modern health practices in your family's life?
What importance or benefits do you attribute to these traditional wellness practices?
CULTURAL EMPATHY
How do you ensure that cultural empathy, respect, and appreciation are fostered and practised within your family and extended to others in the community?
What practices or discussions do you engage in to promote cultural empathy and respect in your family?
How do you involve your children or family members in community events or initiatives that foster cultural appreciation?
What importance do you believe cultural empathy and respect hold for harmony, understanding, and unity in a diverse society?