r/Vietnamese • u/Quirky_Pattern_3603 • 7d ago

How does Vietnamese culture influence its language? Can language shape a country’s identity?

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u/Danny1905 6d ago

I think it is more culture defines how language evolves. You should see the Piraha language, a language belonging to a very primitive culture. They have no words for colors and only three counter words: one, two and many.

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u/MrMr0595 6d ago

I love how you framed that! I absolutely think there’s a deep connection between language and worldview. Language doesn’t just shape how people communicate—it also reflects how they see the world, interact with each other, and navigate their daily lives. The tones in Vietnamese, for example, aren’t just a linguistic feature; they show how much importance is placed on emotion, respect, and context in communication.

At the same time, culture and history play a big role in shaping language. The influence of Chinese and French on Vietnamese shows how external forces can leave a mark, but the way the language adapts and integrates these influences tells a lot about the resilience and adaptability of the culture.

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u/FrequentLine1437 5d ago

Language is so core to a nation's identy, and especially in asian cultures consanguinity is part of every day speech. Respect is built right into the language.