Part 3: Important Events
Examiner: What are some important events that are celebrated in your country?
You: There are two main categories: domestic holidays and foreign celebrations. For domestic holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year) is definitely the biggest one. It’s a time for families to gather together, cook traditional foods, and have huge cook-outs. There are also firework displays and flag raisings. Everyone sings the national anthem and plays traditional games – it’s a real celebration of Vietnamese culture.
Examiner: That sounds like a lot of fun! Are there any foreign celebrations that are popular in Vietnam?
You: Yes, some! Christmas is becoming increasingly popular, especially in bigger cities. People decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and maybe even have a Christmas dinner. Halloween is also gaining traction, especially with younger folks. It’s more about the costumes and spooky decorations than trick-or-treating.
Examiner: Do you think these foreign celebrations take away from the importance of traditional holidays?
You: Not necessarily. I think Vietnamese culture is very strong, and Tet will always be the main event. Foreign celebrations are more like a bit of extra fun, especially for younger generations.
Examiner: You mentioned family gatherings earlier. How important are these in Vietnamese culture?
You: Extremely important! Vietnam is a very collectivist society. Family comes first, and big events are always a chance to flock together. You’ll see families having reunions, dinners, and even trips together. It’s more about the connection with loved ones than anything else.
Examiner: Is there a specific event where this sense of community is really strong?
You: Definitely! During Tet, the streets come alive with people. There’s a real cacophony of sound – people talking, laughing, bargaining, and enjoying themselves. It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of family and community in Vietnamese culture.
Cụm hay:
- Domestic holidays: lễ hội trong nước
- Foreign celebrations: lễ hội nước ngoài
- Lunar New Year: Tết Nguyên Đán
- Traditional foods: món ăn truyền thống
- Huge cook-outs: tiệc nướng ngoài trời đông người
- National anthem: Quốc ca
- Traditional games: trò chơi dân gian
- Decorate their homes: trang trí nhà cửa
- Exchange gifts: tặng quà
- Gaining traction: ngày càng phổ biến
- Spooky decorations: đồ trang trí ma quái
- Trick-or-treating: đi xin bánh kẹo
- Collectivist society: xã hội tập thể
- Flock together: quây quần bên nhau
- Reunions: gặp mặt gia đình
- Sense of community: tinh thần cộng đồng
- Cacophony of sound: âm thanh hỗn hợp
