THE DIFFERENCES OF NORTHERN & SOUTHERN VIETNAM

Culture is an indispensable part of human life. It creates unique characteristics for each region and is also an important factor in maintaining and developing the traditional values of each nation. In this article, we will learn about the cultural differences between North and South Vietnam.

1. Language and dialect

# Vietnamese

Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam and is widely used in both the North and the South. However, there are some differences in dialect between these two regions.

- Northern

In the North, the language used has many similarities with Chinese and Mongolian. Therefore, the language here has many words that are more difficult to understand and pronounce than in the South. In addition, Northern people also have the habit of using more polite and formal words in communication.

- Southern

Meanwhile, in the South, the language is developed in a simpler and easier-to-understand direction. Southern people tend to use more simple and familiar words in communication. This is also clearly reflected in the use of words in everyday life.

# Proverb

In addition to linguistic differences, the North and the South also have different dialects. This is shown in the way people in the two regions express their opinions, thoughts, and feelings.

- Northern

Northern people often have a straightforward, sincere manner and are often not afraid to express their emotions. They also tend to use many proverbs and idioms in communication to convey meaning in a deeper way.

- Southern

Meanwhile, Southern people often have more skillful, polite, and sophisticated dialects. They are able to express meaning fluently and use many metaphorical words to express their thoughts and feelings.

2. Food and cuisine

# Traditional food

Food and cuisine are an indispensable part of the culture of each region of the country. And Vietnam is no exception. However, the North and the South have distinct characteristics in the preparation and use of traditional dishes.

- Northern

With a cold climate all year round, the North tends to use many hot dishes to keep the body warm. Traditional dishes such as pho, bun cha, banh cuon, or fish cake are considered specialties of the North. The common point of these dishes is simplicity, sophistication, and deliciousness.

- Southern

In contrast to the North, the South has a hot and humid climate all year round, so the dishes here are often cool and refreshing. Traditional dishes such as banh xeo, banh tet, or broken rice are considered specialties of the South. The common point of these dishes is freshness, diversity, and richness of flavor.

# Eating style

In addition to traditional dishes, the North and the South also have differences in dining style.

- Northern

In the North, people often have the habit of eating quickly and not being too wasteful. They also tend to use a lot of spices and vegetables to add flavor to the dish. In addition, during meals, Northern people often have the habit of drinking black tea to cool down and digest.

- Southern

Meanwhile, in the South, people often have the habit of eating slowly and enjoying each dish. They also tend to use a variety of dipping sauces to add flavor to the dish. In addition, during meals, Southern people often have the habit of drinking iced tea or fruit juice to quench their thirst.

 (PHO ingredients : Northern on Left, Southern on Right)

3. Outfit and style

# Traditional costume

Costumes are an indispensable part of the culture of each region of the country. And Vietnam is no exception. However, the North and the South have distinct characteristics in choosing and using traditional costumes.

- Northern

With a cold climate all year round, the North tends to use warm and durable costumes such as ao dai, four-piece ao dai, or ao dai. The common point of these outfits is simplicity, elegance, and elegance.

- Southern

In contrast to the North, the South has a hot and humid climate all year round, so the clothes here are often cool and comfortable. Traditional costumes such as ao ba ba, ao dai, or ao dai are considered typical costumes of the South. The common points of these costumes are freshness, diversity, and style.

# Fashion style

In addition to traditional costumes, the North and the South also have differences in fashion style.

- Northern

In the North, people often have traditional and discreet fashion styles. They often prefer outfits with simple and elegant colors. In addition, during festivals, Northerners also have the habit of wearing Ao Dai and Giao Lanh shirts to show solemnity and tradition.

- Southern

Meanwhile, in the South, people often have a more modern and stylish fashion style. They often prefer outfits with fresh and dynamic colors. In addition, during festivals, Southern people also have the habit of wearing Ba Ba and Ao Dai to show closeness and comfort.

(Ao Dai in Northern)

 (AoBaBa traditional dressing in Southern)

4. Customs and traditions

# Religion

Religion is an indispensable part of the culture of each region of the country. And Vietnam is no exception. However, the North and the South have distinct characteristics of religion and belief.

- Northern

In the North, the majority of people follow Christianity and Buddhism. However, folk beliefs are also very popular here. Religious festivals and ceremonies are held solemnly and are highly traditional.

- Southern

Similarly in the North, the majority of people also follow Christianity and Buddhism. And folk beliefs are also very popular here. Religious festivals and ceremonies are often more fun and exciting in nature.

# Family

Family is one of the important elements in the culture of each region of the country. And Vietnam is no exception. However, the North and the South have distinct characteristics in building and maintaining a family.

- Northern

In the North, families often have many members and are highly matrilineal. This means that housewives have an important role in managing the family and taking care of children and grandchildren. In addition, Northern people also have the habit of living with their parents and siblings in a large house.

- Southern

Meanwhile, in the South, families often have fewer members and are highly patriarchal. This means that the male breadwinner plays an important role in making money and supporting the family. In addition, Southern people also have the habit of living separately from their parents and siblings in smaller houses.

5. Festival

Festivals are an indispensable part of the culture of each region of the country. And Vietnam is no exception. However, the North and the South have distinct characteristics in organizing and participating in festivals.

- Northern

In the North, festivals are often highly formal and traditional. Festivals such as the Lunar New Year, Spring Festival, or Hung Temple Festival are all held loudly and attract a large number of visitors. In addition, folk festivals such as the buffalo fighting festival or boat racing festival are also fun and meaningful activities.

- Southern

Meanwhile, in the South, festivals are often more fun and exciting. Festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Cock Fighting Festival, and the Lion Racing Festival are all held loudly and attract a large number of visitors. In addition, folk festivals such as the Banh Troi Festival or Cau Ngu Festival are also fun and meaningful activities.

6. Thought and lifestyle

Ideology and lifestyle are an indispensable part of the culture of each region of the country. And Vietnam is no exception. However, the North and the South have distinct characteristics in ideology and lifestyle.

- Northern

In the North, people have high levels of justice and tradition. They always value family and social values and are conscious of preserving and developing traditional culture. In addition, Northern people also have a simple and naive lifestyle, demonstrated through agricultural work and handicrafts.

- Southern

Meanwhile, in the South, people have more progressive and modern ideas. They always accept and apply new and progressive values in life, and are conscious of changing and developing modern culture. In addition, Southern people also have a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle, reflected in business and technology.

To summarize, the North and the South are two parts of the country with many differences in language, dialect, food and cuisine, costumes and style, customs, festivals, and lifestyle ideas. However, these differences create diversity and richness in Vietnamese culture. Therefore, understanding and respecting these characteristics is very important to maintain and develop the country's culture.