Growing Up in Vietnam vs. Germany: A Tale of Cultural Differences and Parental Influence

🌍Moving to Germany was a cultural shock for the narrator, who grew up with strict Vietnamese parents.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦German parents exhibit a more balanced and involved approach to parenting compared to Vietnamese parents.

👋In Vietnam, physical discipline is considered normal and even encouraged, while in Germany, it is illegal and seen as unnecessary.

💇‍♀️Vietnamese parents place great importance on appearance and behavior, while German parents focus more on individuality and self-expression.

👥Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, with formal greetings and deference expected at all times.

Did the narrator experience a culture shock when moving to Germany?

—Yes, the narrator found the cultural differences between Vietnam and Germany to be quite shocking, particularly in terms of parenting styles.

How do Vietnamese parents discipline their children?

—Physical discipline, such as corporal punishment, is common in Vietnam, but it is not seen as the most effective way to raise children.

Are German parents more involved in their children's lives?

—Yes, German parents tend to be more involved in their children's lives and prioritize open communication and emotional support.

Is respect for elders important in Vietnamese culture?

—Yes, respect for elders is highly valued in Vietnamese culture, and it is expected to show deference and use formal greetings when interacting with older people.

How do Vietnamese and German parents differ in their approach to appearance and self-expression?

—Vietnamese parents often prioritize modesty and conformity, while German parents encourage individuality and self-expression.

00:00The narrator initially struggled with the cultural differences between Vietnam and Germany.

05:00Vietnamese parents tend to be more strict, while German parents take a more balanced and involved approach to parenting.

10:00Physical discipline is common in Vietnam but illegal in Germany.

15:00Vietnamese parents emphasize appearance and behavior, while German parents focus on individuality and self-expression.

20:00Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, with formal greetings and deference expected.