A cross-cultural study of giving and responding to some compliments in English and in Vietnamese

Abstract

Complimenting and responding to compliments reflect the norms and values of a nation and a country and are also expressed differently across cultures. In this article, the author conducts a cross-cultural study on giving and responding to compliments in English and in Vietnamese. The purpose of this study was to investigate how people give and respond to compliments in English and in Vietnamese and analyze and compare them to find similarities and differences. This analysis and comparison can help learners understand and use the target language appropriately so that cultural bottlenecks and communication breakdown can be avoided. This study used a quantitative technique method and was conducted using a questionnaire, focusing on how to give compliments and feedback about their appearance, assets, or work in English and Vietnamese. The findings of this study on compliments are useful in teaching English to Vietnamese as well as teaching Vietnamese to foreigners. The act of complimenting and responding to compliments - an aspect of communicative competence-needs to be carefully observed in order to maintain good relations among people in society.