i

DECLARATION
I certify that this graduation paper with topic “A cross-culture study on using
body language of Vietnamese people and American people” is result of my own
research and under guidance of my supervisor Mr. Nguyen Nang Tuan at Faculty of
Foreign Languages at Hung Yen University of Technology and Education.

Hung Yen, May 2018

Tran Thi Dung

 ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This paper could not have been done without the help, encouragement and support
from my teacher, my family and my friends.
First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor Mr
Nguyen Nang Tuan – who has always been most willing to give me support. His continual
encouragement, careful reading, patient guidance made my job more enjoyable and easier.
My sincere thanks also send to the lectures at Faculty of Foreign Languages at
Hung Yen University of Technology and Education for their useful lessons during four
years studying here.
Special words of thank also give to all my informants for their willing participation
in the study. I greatly appreciate their generosity with their time and efforts in filling in the
questionnaire, without them this paper could not have been done.
Finally, I wish to give my deepest thanks to my family, my friends who I have
never enough words to express my great gratitude for their encouragement and inspiration.
 iii

ABSTRACT
This study research the similarities, differences between Vietnamese people and
American people in using body language for greeting with purpose of helping students to
widen their knowledge of greeting others. To achieve the aims of the study, I carried out
survey questionnaires among fifty students at TAK13.1 at UTEHY and twenty American
to collect my data. The subjects of the study are American and Vietnamese people in
general. The results of research showed that there are a lot of differences of Vietnamese
and American in using greeting gestures. In Vietnamese culture, people frequently using
waving, bowing and nodding as their greeting gestures. They rarely use touching gestures
such as: kissing, hugging and handshaking. In opposite, in American culture, people really
like using handshaking the most, followed by kissing, hugging and waving when they greet
the others. They are not interested in using bowing and patting. Besides, there are some
similar points between Vietnamese culture and American culture that the factors affecting
the most to greeting gestures are age, sex and communicative environment. Moreover, the
study gives some suggestions for learning and teaching English in university environment.
 iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION .................................................................................................................... i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .....................................................................................................ii
ABSTRACT..........................................................................................................................iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................................................................................... iv
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................... vi
LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS ....................................................................................vii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1
1.1. Rationale ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Aims of the study ............................................................................................................ 2
1.3. Research questions .......................................................................................................... 2
1.4. Methodology of the study ............................................................................................... 2
1.5. Scope of the study ........................................................................................................... 2
1.6. Organization of the study ................................................................................................ 2
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................... 4
2.1. Body language ................................................................................................................ 4
2.1.1. What is body language? ............................................................................................... 4
2.1.2. Functions of body language ......................................................................................... 4
2.1.3. Classifications of body language ................................................................................. 4
2.2. Nonverbal communication .............................................................................................. 6
2.2.1. What is the nonverbal communication?....................................................................... 6
2.2.2. Functions of nonverbal communication ...................................................................... 6
2.2.3. Classification of nonverbal communication ................................................................ 7
2.2.4. Cross - cultural communication ................................................................................... 8
2.3. Greeting gestures ............................................................................................................ 8
2.3.1. Greeting definition ....................................................................................................... 8
2.3.2. Common greeting gestures .......................................................................................... 9
2.3.2.1. Handshaking ............................................................................................................. 9
2.3.2.2. Waving ...................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.2.3. Hugging .................................................................................................................. 10
2.3.2.4. Bowing .................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.2.5. Nodding .................................................................................................................. 11
 v

2.3.2.6. Patting ..................................................................................................................... 11

2.3.2.7. Kissing .................................................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER 3: THE STUDY ................................................................................................ 13
3.1. Methodology ................................................................................................................. 13
3.1.1. Participants................................................................................................................. 13
3.1.2. Methodology .............................................................................................................. 13
3.1.3. Data analysis method ................................................................................................. 13
3.2. Data analysis ................................................................................................................. 14
3.2.1. Common greeting gestures as perceived by the Vietnamese informants .................. 14
3.2.1.1. Data analysis of body greeting gestures ................................................................. 14
3.2.1.2. Consideration of factors affecting greeting gestures .............................................. 19
3.2.2. Common greeting gestures as perceived by American informants ........................... 20
3.2.2.1. Data analysis of greeting gestures .......................................................................... 20
3.2.2.2. Consideration of factors affecting greeting gestures .............................................. 25
3.2.3. Some solutions to greet effectively by gestures in Vietnamese culture and American
culture .................................................................................................................................. 26
3.3. Findings and discussions .............................................................................................. 28
CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION ............................................................................................ 31
4.1. Summary ....................................................................................................................... 31
4.2. Limitations of study ...................................................................................................... 31
4.3. Suggestions for learning and teaching English ............................................................. 31
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................I
APPENDIX I ..........................................................................................................................I
APPENDIX II .................................................................................................................... VII
 vi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
UTEHY: Hung Yen University of Technology and Education.
FFL: Faculty of Foreign Languages.
TAK13.1: The third-year student class of Faculty of Foreign Languages at Hung
Yen University of Technology and Education.
 vii

LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS

TABLES
Table 1: The use of greeting gestures (%) ........................................................................... 14
Table 2: Greeting gestures in term of age (%) ..................................................................... 16
Table 3: Greeting gestures in term of gender (%) ............................................................... 17
Table 4: Greeting gestures in term of marital status (%) ..................................................... 17
Table 5: Greeting gestures in term of social status (%) ....................................................... 18
Table 6: Greeting gestures in term of communicative environment (%) ............................ 18
Table 7: Greeting gestures in term of age (%) ..................................................................... 22
Table 8: Greeting gestures in term of gender (%) ............................................................... 22
Table 9: Greeting gestures in term of marital status (%) ..................................................... 23
Table 10: Greeting gestures in term of social status (%) ..................................................... 24
Table 11: Greeting gestures in term of communicative environment (%) .......................... 24
CHARTS
Chart 1: Greeting gestures most frequently used by Vietnamese people (%) ..................... 14
Chart 2: Frequency of greeting gestures in use (%)............................................................. 15
Chart 3: Factors affecting gestures of greeting (%) ............................................................. 19
Chart 4: Greeting gestures most frequently used by American people (%) ........................ 20
Chart 5: Frequency of greeting gestures in use (%)............................................................. 21
Chart 6: Factors affecting gestures of greeting (%) ............................................................. 25
Chart 7: Greeting gestures to make good impression (%) ................................................... 26
Chart 8: The necessity of following American greeting gestures (%) ................................. 27
Chart 9: The necessity of following Vietnamese greeting gestures (%) .............................. 28
 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1. Rationale
It is the fact that English is a popular language of all international language in the
world. In communication, American people are always interested in using body language.
Through body language (eye contact, eyebrows, gestures, smile …), they can express
speech or talk effectively. This will contribute to creating successful in communication as
well as presentation. Body language is considered as a necessity factor in speaking
language. Jojo Tabares suppose that “Important function of body language is to express our
feelings about what we are discussing. Body language can help us determine how someone
feels about what they are saying” (Art of Eloquence (2018)). In addition, Albert Mehrabian
demonstrated that “only 7% of what we communicate consists of the literal content of the
message. The use of one’s voice, such as tone, intonation and volume, take up 38% and as
much as 55% of communication consists of body language. This 7 – 38 – 55 -model is still
much used today.” (Mulder, P. (2012), Communication Model by Albert Mehrabian).
However, in Vietnam, using non-verbal language in communication is very difficult with
students. They usually feel embarrassing or unnatural since they combine body language
with a verbal expression. Therefore, young students generally or English major students
had difficulties in presenting because contents of a presentation are too long and bored.
Their speeches also become lack of perfection when they do not interact with listeners
through gestures. Moreover, they will not be easy in order to make relationship with
strangers, especially foreigners who are always interested in body language in
communication. I realized the importance of using body language with English major
learners.
Therefore, I decided to do this research “A cross-culture study on using body
language of Vietnamese people and American people” to find what the similarities and
differences are in using them in American and Vietnam. I hope it will be of some help for
Vietnamese learning English in general and the third- year students in Faculty of Foreign
Languages in particular to avoid culture shocks when they are in communication with
American people, also help students greet more effectively by their greeting gestures to
make converstions sucessfully.
 2

1.2. Aims of the study

The aim of the study is help English learners greet more effectively through using
their body language and help them understand fully the information of body language for
greeting in order to know how to use in Vietnam and American cultures. Therefore, the
learners can avoid too many mistakes and make the conversation perfectly.
1.3. Research questions
1. What are the common greeting gestures used by Vietnamese people?
2. What are the common greeting gestures used by American people?
3. What are the similarities, differences between Vietnamese people and American
people in using greeting gestures for greeting?
4. What are solutions to greet effectively by gestures in Vietnamese culture and
American culture?
1.4. Methodology of the study
To collect the data, this study is researched by quantitative and qualitative methods.
I do a survey questionnaire on using body language in greeting of fifty Vietnamese people
and twenty American people. Then I analyze the data carefully to give the comparison
between two countries. After getting the result, I use tables and charts for showing the
collected data.
1.5. Scope of the study
A body language study is absolutely a large scale. However, due to the limitation of
my knowledge as well as experience and time, only gestures for greeting of American
people and Vietnamese people are taken into consideration. These will partly help people
have general knowledge and understanding about gestures for greeting to get easier to
communicate with American people.
1.6. Organization of the study
Chapter 1: Introduction: gives rationale, aims, research questions, scope,
methodology and the organization of the study.
Chapter 2: Literature review: deals with some main theories: body language,
nonverbal communication, greeting gestures and common greeting gestures.
Chapter 3: The study: consists of parts such as: the methodology, analysis the
research results and discusses the results.
 3

Chapter 4: Conclusion: presents the summary of the study, limitations of the

study and the suggestions for teaching and learning English.
 4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Body language
2.1.1. What is body language?
There have been a number of definitions about body language given:
According to Wikipedia, Body language is a type of non-verbal communication in
which physical behavior, as opposed to words, are used to express or convey information.
Such behavior includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch
and the use of space. Body language exists in both animals and humans, but this article
focuses on interpretations of human body language. It is also known as kinesics.
In “Nonverbal communication across cultures” (Nguyen Quang, p.163) provides a
full definition of body language as follows: Body language can be understood as the
movements of arms, legs and body which are used independently or with words in
communication in order to emphasize or replace words, to control or display one’s feelings
and attitudes and to express one’s thought.
2.1.2. Functions of body language
In brief, body language performs many functions which may replace speech
(during dialogue or when speech is not used at all), regulate the flow and rhythm of
interaction, maintain attention, add emphasis or classify to speech, help characterize and
memorize the content of speech.
2.1.3. Classifications of body language
There are many classifications differently of body language in the way of functions,
origin and parts of body.
According to function, we can divide body language into 5 groups:
Emblems (autonomous gestures) are gestures that can be used instead of speech.
They are used consciously and purposely to communicate the same meaning as the words.
Emblems are culture specific. The three major characteristics of emblems are:
+ They have a direct verbal translation
+ They are known by almost everybody in a social group
+ They shall have a particular effect on the recipient
Illustrators are gestures that are used to illustrate spoken words.
Affect display are facial expressions combined with posture which reflect the
intensity of an emotion. Affect displays are often unconsciously.
 5

Regulators are behaviors that monitor, control, coordinate or maintain the

speaking of another individual. Regulators support the interaction and communication
between sender and recipient.
Adaptors are gestures that satisfy some personal needs, are not used intentionally
during a communication or interaction. They are difficult to recognize.
According to origin, body language can be divided into 7 groups: universal, inborn,
genetically transferred, individual, group specific, area specific, cultural specific one.
According to body parts, body language can be divided into 6 groups: eye contact,
facial expression, physical characteristics, gestures, postures and body movements, touch.
Eye contact (eye gaze) is an event in which two people or animals look at each
other’s eyes at the same time. As saying goes “The eyes are the window of the soul”. That
is to say, we can read one’s mind through his/ her eyes. Eye language can express
complicated feelings and it is an important way to judge the intimacy of communicators.
“But there are many rules about eye language: Whether to look at the other communicator
or not; when it is the time to look at them, how long we can look at; who we can look at
and who we can’t; they all imply different meaning in communication”.
Facial expressions results from one or more motions or positions of the muscles of
the face. These movements convey the emotional state of the individual to observers.
Physical characteristics of certain person, such as eye (small, big…), nose, mouth
(full lip, thin lip, narrow…), body (high, short, fat, thin…), skin immediately transfer any
certain message of his or her social status, physical status, literacy… at different level of
accuracy.
Gesture is a movement or position of the hand, arm, body, and head, of face that
is used to convey an idea, opinion, or emotion. This form of communication gets a point
across without the use of words, making it a form of non-verbal communication. Gesture
can be used in many ways from showing ones anger with physical violence to expressing a
gesture of sympathy at a funeral by placing flowers on the casket. Gestures in that sense
aren’t just movements of the body, but symbolic gestures. For example, it could be a nice
“gesture” to send someone a thank you card for a present they have given you. Another
example of a nice gesture would be to send someone flowers when they sick are something
 6

bad has happened to them. This would show that you care for them and are thinking about
them.
Posture and body movements: The position of the body, the situation or
disposition of the several parts of the body with respect to each other, or for a particular
purpose, especially, the position of a figure with regard to the several principal members
by which action is express, attitude.
Touch (tactile/ haptic) refers to the way people exchange information by touching
one’s body. Touching is a common part of many rituals, in which the action often has a
long- forgotten symbolic meaning. A touch is a strong communicator in the world of body
language acts and they are used by just about everyone. For instance, someone who
brushes their hand against another’s forearm may be seen as communicating an act of
attraction. Touch as an act of body language is something that occurs in many settings
across the board. As always, body language acts of all types are dependent on the user and,
of course, the perception of the receiver.
2.2. Nonverbal communication
2.2.1. What is the nonverbal communication?
According to Nguyen Quang, “Nonverbal communication across culture” (p.223),
“Nonverbal communication is communication by facial expressions, head or eye
movement, hand signals and body postures. It can be just as important to understand as
words are”. Speech contains nonverbal elements known as paralanguage, including voice
quality, emotion and speaking style, as well as prosodic features such as rhythm, intonation
and stress. Likewise, written texts have nonverbal elements such as handwriting style,
spatial arrangement of words, or the use of emotions.
2.2.2. Functions of nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication, like verbal communication is also a part of culture and
the carrier of a certain culture. The functions of nonverbal communication in the whole
communication can’t be overlooked. A famous anthropologist Hall (1963:422) pointed out:
“In any case, when verbal communication conflicts with nonverbal communication, people
are willing to accept the information nonverbal communication delivers. Because
nonverbal communication sounds more natural, more instinctive and it is hard to pretend”.
In general, there are five functions of nonverbal communication:
 7

- Repetition
- Supplement
- Replacement
- Emphasis
- Adjustment
2.2.3. Classification of nonverbal communication
There are two main groups of nonverbal communication:
a. Paralanguage
Paralanguage refers to the nonverbal elements of communication used to modify
meaning and convey emotion. Paralanguage may be expressed consciously or
unconsciously, and it includes the pitch, volume, rate, vocal quality, and, in some cases,
intonations of speech. Sometimes the definition if restricted to vocally produced sounds.
b. Extra language
Extra language is divided into three kinds: body language, object language, and
environment language.
Body language is known as nonverbal behavior which transmits information
through gestures, actions and facial expressions. People communicate with each other by
their body language in the ways of nodding, waving, eye contacting, shrugging and so on.
According to the research results of psychologists, these ways can express what the verbal
language cannot directly. Body language can be divided into: sight language, body touches
language, posture and gesture, manner, facial expression.
Object language comprises all intentional and non- intentional display of material
things, such as implements, machines, art objects, architectural structures, and last but not
least, the human body and whatever clothes cover it. Object language can be divided into
clothing, jewelry and accessories, make-up, artificial, scents, gifts, flowers…
Environmental language is considered as all factors in communicational
environment, have ability to transfer any certain message and affect communication
results. Besides, environmental language consists of the following components: Setting,
Time, Space, Lighting system, Color, Temperature, Humidity, Ventilation, Smell.
 8

2.2.4. Cross - cultural communication

The relationship between culture and communication lies in the fact that they work
on each other. As the carrier of culture, communication influences the system of culture,
and culture is necessarily manifested in communication patterns.
Author Nguyen Quang defines the term “cross–culture communication” as
communication (verbal and non – verbal) between people from different cultures:
communication that is influenced by cultural values, attitudes and behaviors”.
Nowadays, more than ever before are opportunities for people to live, work and
study, and travel abroad arising. Increased contact with other cultures has brought about
the need to communication more efficiently and effectively. However, because most
people have little awareness of cross – cultural interaction, their communication is not
effective as it could be.
Therefore, studying similarities and differences between cultures is obviously of
help.
2.3. Greeting gestures
2.3.1. Greeting definition
According Wikipedia, greeting is an act of communication in which human beings
intentionally make their presence known to each other, to show attention to, and to suggest
a type of relationship (usually cordial) or social status (formal or informal) between
individuals or groups of people coming in contact with each other. Greetings are
sometimes used just prior to a conversation or to greet in passing, such as on a sidewalk or
trail. While greeting customs are highly culture and situation specific and may change
within a culture depending on social status and relationship, they exist in all known human
cultures. Greetings can be expressed both audibly and physically, and often involve a
combination of the two.
 9

2.3.2. Common greeting gestures

2.3.2.1. Handshaking
Handshaking is a kind of nonverbal language used as a gesture of greeting or
congratulation. A handshake is a short ritual in which two people grasp each other’s right
or left hand often accompanied by a brief up and down movement of the grasped hands.
While its origins remain obscure, archaeological ruins and ancient texts show that
handshaking was practiced as far back as the 2nd century BC. The handshake is thought by
some to have originated as a gesture of peace by demonstrating that the hand holds no
weapon.

2.3.2.2. Waving
Waving is a movement of hand that people use to greet each other, say goodbye or
merely acknowledge another’s presence. This gesture is performed by raising their hand
and moved it from side to side.

Another common wave is to raise one’s hand and repeatedly move the fingers
downward toward the palm. The gesture can be used to attract attention at distance.
 10

2.3.2.3. Hugging
Hugging is a form of physical intimacy that two people put their arms around the
neck, back, or waist of one another and closely hold each other. The hug is one of the most
common human signs of love and affection, along with kissing. Unlike some other forms
of physical intimacy, it is practiced publicly and privately without stigma in many nations,
religions and cultures, within families, and also across age and gender lines. Sometimes,
hugs are a romantic exchange. Hugs may also be exchanged as a sign of support and
comfort. A hug can be a demonstration of affection and emotional warmth, sometimes
arising out of joy or happiness at meeting someone.
Hugging with a kiss on the cheek, to some extent, is a popular gesture of greeting
among family members and friends in Europe, America, Africa and Pacific countries,
while it is seen uncommon in Asia and Middle East.

2.3.2.4. Bowing
 11

Bowing is the act of lowering the torso and head as a social gesture in direction to
another person or symbol. It is the most prominent in Asia cultures but it is also typical of
nobility and aristocracy in many countries and distinctively in Europe. Sometimes, the
gestures may be limited to the lowering the head such as in Indonesia and in many cultures
several degrees of lowness of the bow are distinguished and regarded as appropriate for
different circumstances. It is especially prominent in China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam
where it may be executed standing or kneeling.
2.3.2.5. Nodding

A nod of the head is a gesture in which the head is tilted in alternating up and down
arcs along the sagittal plan. In many cultures, it is most commonly, but not universally,
used to indicate agreement, acceptance, or acknowledgment.
2.3.2.6. Patting

A pat on back/shoulders is an informal greeting that is better used between friends,

colleagues of the same age or social status.
A pat on a woman on her rear end is not appropriate, and will likely get your face
slapped. In Vietnamese culture, the old generations in the countryside are used to patting
on a small child’s rear end while meeting her/him to show the love to her/him. This seems
 12

to be rude, impolite action and may cause misinterpretation and even culture shock to
Anglicists.
2.3.2.7. Kissing
A kiss is the touching of one person’s lips to another place, which is used as an
expression of affection, respect, greeting, farewell, good luck, romantic affection or sexual
desire. Generally the gesture is repeated with the other cheek, or more, alternating cheeks.
Depending on country and situation, the number of kisses is usually one, two, three or four.
 13

CHAPTER 3: THE STUDY

3.1. Methodology
3.1.1. Participants
To find out the similarities and differences of Vietnamese and American people
body language for greeting, the participants in this research are Vietnamese and American
people. The survey is conducted with the participants of seventy respondents in total,
twenty surveys written in English were given to American people by email, facebook and
some directly face to face; fifty surveys written in Vietnamese were given to Vietnamese
people by directly face to face. With the enthusiasm and helpfulness of respondents, the
survey questionnaire is completed.
3.1.2. Methodology
In order to collect data for the research, I used quantitative and qualitative.
Therefore, survey questionnaire is considered as one of the most effective methods for
studying. The purposes of survey questionnaire are investigating the similarities and
differences of Vietnamese people and American people in using greeting gestures. In
addition, questionnaire method is easy to get information from informants, summarize and
report collected data and researchers can save time in studying.
There are eight questionnaires are designed for Vietnamese people and American
people. Questionnaires for students were designed for 53 students of TAK13.1 class at FFL
at UTEHY (but only 50 students were the informants of the research) and 20 people from
America to work out some issues of the research.
3.1.3. Data analysis method
After collecting the data, the researcher started analyzing them with quantitative,
qualitative and statistical methods. More specifically, data from textbooks and internet
were statistically analyzed and presented in forms of table and charts.
Besides, data from survey questionnaire was similarly managed with much focus
on the similarities and differences between the collected data and that from the other
sourses.
 14

3.2. Data analysis

It is undeniable that body language always maintains a part of our life. Both
Vietnamese and American use their body language while greeting the others. However,
because of cultural-specific features that may strongly affect individual’s preference of
gestures. There are some differences in using greeting gestures between Vietnamese and
American. The results are showed in the following tables and charts.

Group Vietnamese American

50 20
Gestures
(100%) (100%)
Table 1: The use of greeting gestures (%)
3.2.1. Common greeting gestures as perceived by the Vietnamese informants
3.2.1.1. Data analysis of body greeting gestures
There are seven gestures that Vietnamese used very differently when greeting.

70% 66%
60%
60% 54%
50%
40%
30%
30% 24%
20%
8%
10% 2%
0%
Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

Chart 1: Greeting gestures most frequently used by Vietnamese people (%)

As seen from chart 1, the greeting gestures use most, nodding and waving
obviously rank first (66% and 60% respectively), followed by bowing (54%). Handshaking
and patting are used by few Vietnamese informants (30%) and 24% respectively). When
greeting the others, Vietnamese rarely use touching gestures like hugging (8%) or kissing
(2%), which may be commonly used in Western countries.
 15

In a word, most Vietnamese people prefer using nodding, waving and bowing in
their daily life when meeting someone.
Greeting gestures in term of frequency

100% always
90% frequently
80% sometimes
70% never
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Chart 2: Frequency of greeting gestures in use (%)

The data indicates that of the seven gestures given, nodding and waving are by far
more often used than the others. As seen from chart, when people greet the others they use
nodding head is the most with 70%, followed by waving with 46%. In term of frequently,
waving ranks first (48%), followed by bowing (42%). Bowing (38%), patting (26%) and
handshaking (30%) are sometimes found in certain situations. Furthermore, it is also
noticed that kissing and hugging are hardly used in Vietnam culture with 96% and 86%
informants never used when greeting.
Shortly, in frequency, Vietnamese people would like to use nodding and waving
while kissing and hugging are rarely used in Vietnamese culture.
 16

Greeting gestures in term of age

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

older
16 2 0 52 10 0 0
than you

same
20 34 2 2 18 10 0
age

younger
10 32 2 0 20 22 0
than you

Table 2: Greeting gestures in term of age (%)

The chart shows that the most important factor affecting the use of greeting gestures is age.
For those who are older, younger prefer bowing (52%) and handshaking (16%) while none
of them used hugging, patting or kissing and few people use waving as a way to give
respect. For those who are same age, people prefer using waving (34%) and handshaking
(20%). There are few people choosing patting (10%), nodding (18%) as their greeting
gestures in communication when meet same age person. Besides, bowing (2%) and
hugging (2%) are rarely used in this case. For who are younger, older person like
waving (32%), patting (22%) and nodding (20%). There are only 10% of handshaking that
people use in greeting.
In summary, age factor is very important to Vietnamese people. They always show
their respect to older person by bowing when greeting. When meeting the same and
younger people, Vietnamese prefer using waving to give friendly and comfortable. It is
also noticeable that kissing is not used in Vietnam in any terms of age.
 17

Greeting gestures in term of gender

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

your
same 14 26 2 20 26 12 0
gender
your
opposite 12 28 0 18 32 10 0
gender
Table 3: Greeting gestures in term of gender (%)
It can be seen that gender has quite influence on the consideration of greeting
gestures. Among people of the same gender, the informants prefer nodding head (26%),
and waving (26%) while kissing (0%) and hugging (2%) are not seen commonly when
greeting the others. Among opposite gender, nodding (32%) and waving (28%) are used
most. None of informants use hugging and kissing in greeting. Handshaking, bowing and
patting are sometimes used in Vietnamese culture. Therefore, it can be seen that nodding
waving are acceptable for all partners of both sexes.
Greeting gestures in term of marital status

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

single 16 28 2 20 24 10 0

married 18 30 0 16 28 8 0

Table 4: Greeting gestures in term of marital status (%)

The table showed that marital status is less important factor than others. There is
very little difference between the single and the married in using gestures for greeting. All
of informants prefer using nodding for both single and married people with 28% and 30%,
followed by waving (24% and 28% respectively). As can be seen from table, handshaking,
 18

bowing and patting are sometimes mentioned, not used frequently in Vietnam. It’s too hard
to use kissing and hugging in any marital status.
Greeting gestures in term of social status

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

higher
32 10 6 24 20 8 0
status
equal
24 24 2 16 22 12 0
status
lower
22 22 0 8 32 16 0
status
Table 5: Greeting gestures in term of social status (%)
According to the table 5, Vietnamese used their greeting gestures in different
status. For those who are higher status, lower status people prefer using handshaking
(32%) and bowing with 24% to give their politeness. In equal status, informants like to use
handshaking (24%) and waving (24%) while Vietnamese people choose waving (22%),
handshaking (22%) and nodding (32%) in lower status when greeting to higher status.
Patting and bowing seem seldom in use of greeting.
In conclusion, normally, Vietnamese people often used handshaking, nodding in
terms of social status. Touching gesture (kissing, hugging) seems hardly to use.
Greeting gestures in term of communicative environment

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

very
34 0 16 34 12 2 2
formal

formal 34 2 14 30 14 6 0

informal 26 16 4 20 24 10 0

very
22 22 4 8 30 14 0
informal
Table 6: Greeting gestures in term of communicative environment (%)
 19

Overall, gestures are used differently and properly in each communicative

environment. Handshaking nodding and bowing prevail in all communicative contexts. In
formal or very formal situations, informants prefer handshaking (34%), bowing (30%,
34%). People seem to be friendly and open in formal and very informal environment which
means they use more waving (16%, 22%), nodding (24%, 30%), patting (20%, 14%).
The percentages of kissing or hugging are absolutely low which very popular greeting
gestures in Western cultures.
In closing, Vietnamese people seem more politely in very formal and formal
environments and more friendly, openly in informal and very informal situations.
3.2.1.2. Consideration of factors affecting greeting gestures

90%
79%
80%

70% 66%
59%
60%

50%

40% 35%
30%
30%

20%

10%

0%
Age Gender Marital status Social status Environment Others

Chart 3: Factors affecting gestures of greeting (%)

Chart 3 indicates that on average, age is the most important factors, ranged the first
(79%). The next considerations are environment (66%) and gender (59%). Marital status
(35%) and social status (30%) are seen the less important factors. There are no any
suggestions for factors affecting greeting gestures (0%).
In a word, there are three important factors: age, gender and environment that
always effect on greeting gestures of Vietnamese people.
 20

3.2.2. Common greeting gestures as perceived by American informants

3.2.2.1. Data analysis of greeting gestures

80% 75%
70%
60%
50% 45%
40%
40% 35% 35%
30%
30%
20% 15%
10%
0%
Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

Chart 4: Greeting gestures most frequently used by American people (%)

According to the chart 4, three following gestures of greeting are used more often
than the rest: handshaking (75%), nodding (40%) and hugging (45%). Patting and waving
which accounts for 35%, 35% respectively ranks fourth in the chart. Kissing (30%) is used
quite frequently when American greet the others. There are very few informants used the
bow (15%) which is very common in Vietnamese greeting.
To conclude, in America, people often use handshaking, and nodding most when
meeting each other. Kissing and hugging are normally used which are not really common
in Vietnam.
 21

Greeting gestures in term of frequency (%)

80% always
70% frequently
sometimes
60%
never
50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 5: Frequency of greeting gestures in use (%)

From the data in chart 5, it can be easily seen that handshaking, waving and
hugging are used with much higher frequency by the American informants than the rest.
With percentage of 70% of informants who used it all the time, handshaking is ranged the
first of list frequency, followed by waving (45%) and hugging (45%). In term of
frequently, hugging (35%) is used by American. Kissing (40%), nodding (30%) and
bowing (30%) are sometimes used in greeting. It is also remarked that bowing are rarely
used by American informants with 40% in term of never.
In summary, handshaking is always used most in American culture. Besides, they
prefer using waving, hugging and nodding. Kissing is also sometimes used which is very
different with Vietnam.
 22

Greeting gestures in term of age

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

older
45 5 20 5 10 5 10
than you

same
40 5 15 5 10 10 15
age

younger
40 10 15 0 15 10 10
than you

Table 7: Greeting gestures in term of age (%)

The data in the table 7 shows that age has great influence on the use of greeting
gestures among American people. To greet older people, in American culture, handshaking
(45%) is considered the most commonly greeting gestures. Besides, hugging (20%),
nodding (10%) and kissing (10%) are also used frequently when informants greet to older
person. In case of same age, people also like to use handshaking (40%), hugging (15%)
and kissing (15%). To greeting younger peple, older people prefer using handshaking
(40%), hugging (15%) and nodding (15%), especially none of them chooses bowing to
greet younger people.
In short, in term of age, American people often use handshaking in any cases.
Bowing is hardly used in American culture which is very common in Vietnamese culture.
Greeting gestures in term of gender

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

your
same 40 10 20 5 10 5 10
gender
your
opposite 35 15 20 5 10 5 10
gender
Table 8: Greeting gestures in term of gender (%)
 23

The information of table shows that gender is quite considerable in using greeting
gestures of American. Overall, the informants prefer using handshaking (40% for same sex
and 35% for opposite sex) and hugging (20% for same sex and 15% for opposite sex).
Waving is sometimes used in American culture with 10% for same sex and 15% for
opposite sex. The same tendency is found with the proportion of nodding (10%) and
kissing (10%). Patting, bowing is used very little with the same sex and opposite sex (5%,
5% respectively) while smiling is used quite often when informants greeting the others.
In summary, gender is one of the most important factors that American people
always consider to use in greeting. Handshaking is usually used as their greeting gesture.
Greeting gestures in term of marital status

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

single 40 10 20 5 10 5 10

married 40 15 15 5 10 5 10

Table 9: Greeting gestures in term of marital status (%)

From the data in table 9, it can be seen that marital status has not much influence
on the used of greeting gestures. Handshaking, hugging are normally used in greeting of
American. Handshaking always ranks first and accounts for 40% both single and married
while patting and bowing is always less common and makes up only 5% for single,
married. Hugging, waving and kissing are sometimes used both single and married in
American culture.
In a word, although informants are in single status or married status, they
always prefer using handshaking, hugging in greeting others.
 24

Greeting gestures in term of social status

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing
higher
45 0 20 10 10 0 15
status
equal
40 5 20 5 15 5 10
status
lower
40 5 15 0 10 10 20
status
Table 10: Greeting gestures in term of social status (%)
The table above indicates that social status is a quite important factor on the use of
gestures for greeting. For those who are higher status, lower status people prefer
handshaking (45%) and hugging (20%) most while none of informants choose patting
(0%) and waving (0%). Bowing (10%), nodding (10%) and kissing (15%) are used less
frequency as their greeting. For those who are equal status, American people choose
handshaking (40%), hugging (20%) to greet the others. Besides, other gestures are use
less frequently in this case. In term of lower status, higher status people also prefer using
handshaking (40%), hugging (10%) and kissing (20%) when they meet lower status
people. Nobody chooses bowing to greet others who are lower status than them.
In a word, handshaking and hugging are the most common greeting gestures of
American people when people consider to social status.
Greeting gestures in term of communicative environment
Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing
very
55 0 20 5 0 0 20
formal

formal 55 0 25 5 0 0 15

informal 45 5 20 0 10 5 15

very
40 5 20 0 15 10 10
informal
Table 11: Greeting gestures in term of communicative environment (%)
 25

In general, the gestures are used differently and properly in each communicative
environment. The proportion of handshaking accounts for highest 55% in very formal and
formal, 45%, 40% in informal and very informal. Besides, hugging, kissing are also used
frequently, average from 10% to 25% in any situations. In addition, waving, patting and
bowing make up quite low percentages in communicative environment, only 5% of waving
in informal and very informal, 5% of bowing in formal and very informal. It is
noticeable patting, waving and nodding is not used in very formal and formal environment
and informants sometimes use it in informal and very informal situations.
Shortly, American informants are more friendly and openly in informal and very
informal contexts which means they use more waving, patting, nodding in communicative
environments.
3.2.2.2. Consideration of factors affecting greeting gestures

80% 75%

70% 65%

60%

50% 45%

40%

30% 25%
20%
20%

10%

0%
Age Gender Marital status Social status Environment Others

Chart 6: Factors affecting gestures of greeting (%)

From the information of chart 6, age is the most important factor, ranged the first
with (75%), followed communicative environment with 65%. The next consideration is
gender with 45%. The small proportion of social status is 25% that implies it’s not
important factor of using greeting gestures. Marital status is a factor that does not affect
much when greeting of American people which account for only 20%.
 26

In brief, the important level of factors affecting gestures of greeting is quite similar
between American people and Vietnamese people. Both of them consider age and
environment are most important factors.
3.2.3. Some solutions to greet effectivelyby gestures in Vietnamese culture and American
culture

70%
Vietnamese
60% people
60%
American
people
50% 46%
45%
40% 40% 40%
40% 38%

30%
30%
25%
22%
20% 20%
20%

10%
10% 8%

0%

Chart 7: Greeting gestures to make good impression (%)

The chart 7 indicates that when Vietnamese people like using handshaking (60%)
most when meeting American people. Hugging (22%) and kissing (8%) are also used in
initial meeting with American. This shows that there are a lot of differeces of culture but
Vietnamese people change their greeting gestures to communicate with American people
suitably and politely. They respect American culture and behave more friendly. In
opposite, in Ameican, people also change their greeting gestures when meering
Vietnamese people. They use bowing (45%), nodding (40%) and handshaking (40%)
although bowing is rarely used in their culture. They also use less hugging (20%) and
kissing (10%) which is really common in American culture.
 27

In conclusion, there are some differences between Vietnamese people and

American people. However, both Vietnamese people and American people change their
habits to greet effectively. They always respect culture each other to become more
friendliness.
The necessity of following Vietnamese and American greeting gestures

4%

32% Very necessary

Necessary
Unnecessary
64%

Chart 8: The necessity of following American greeting gestures (%)

From the chart 8, overall, Vietnamese people find that it is very necessary to
following American greeting gestures with 64% when meet them. 32% of informants
consider that it is neccesary to do the same greeting gestures in case of meeting American
people. Only 4% of them think that it is unnecessary to use American greeting gestures
when in initial meetings.
In conclusion, Vietnamese people find that it is absolutely necessary to follow
American greeting gestures to respect their culture when communicating with them.
 28

5%

30% Very necessary

Necessary
Unnecessary
65%

Chart 9: The necessity of following Vietnamese greeting gestures (%)

The chart 9 shows that 65% of American people strongly agree that people should
follow Vietnamese greeting gestures when have meeting with them. 30% of informants
also find that it is necessary to do that. The rest of informants (5%) shows that it is
unnecessary to follow Vietnamese greeting gestures when talk to them in initial meeting.
3.3. Findings and discussions
The common greeting gestures used by Vietnamese people
Vietnamese people use greeting gestures in different ways, different situations in
their daily life when meeting someone. It depends on each context that Vietnamese people
meet. To greet older person, higher status or in formal case, they like to use bowing most,
followed by handshaking and nodding to give their respect. Patting, waving are quite used
frequently when Vietnamese people are in informal environments or greet to same,
younger age. They seem like more and more friendly and openly. It is hardly to use
hugging and kissing in Vietnamese culture. People seem try to avoid misunderstand and
always want to keep politeness.
When greeting others, Vietnamese people always consider of age, gender and
commucative environment to behave politely and create friendly, make good impression.
Marital status and social status are less important factors that Vietnamese people do not
care too much when meeting someone.
The common greeting gestures used by American people
In American culture, people like to use touching gestures very frequently.
Handshaking is seen the most common gesture, followed by hugging and kissing. People
 29

use it in daily life, in any situations to show their politeness and friendliness. Waving,
patting and nodding are sometimes used in American culture when they greet others. It is
remarkable that bowing is hardly to use in this country. It can be seen quite rude and
unfriendly in American culture.
When American people greeting others, they also mind three factors most (age,
gender and communicative environment). Marital status and social status are seen less
important than the others. They seem never mind two this factors, always feel more
comfortable when using greeting gestures

The similarities, differences between Vietnamese people and American people

in using gestures for greeting
The similarities of Vietnamese and American in using greeting gestures
Greeting gestures play an important part in human communication as it helps to
establish and maintain relationship between interactions in initial meetings. Both
Vietnamese and American greeting gestures are influenced mostly by some factors such
as: age, gender and communicative environment. Age is seen as the most important factor
in communication. People in two countries pay too much attention on this element to
behave politely. The less important factors are social status and marital status. It can not
seen as too important to focus on when people using their greeting gestures.
The differences of Vietnamese and American in using greeting gesture
From all the information which is analyzed, it can be seen some differences in
greeting gestures of Vietnamese and American people.
In American, people mostly shake hands when greeting. In opposite, in Vietnam,
handshaking is not used really frequently. They only use sometimes handshaking when
meet older person, higher status or in case of very formal and formal to give their respect
or friendliness.
Besides, because of different cultural norms, beliefs and life style, there are
differences in using touching gestures such as kissing, hugging. This is very common in
American culture. They use kissing and hugging to greet others as their intimate gestures
while Vietnamese people are often shy to use it. Kissing and hugging are hardly to use in
Vietnamese culture. While Vietnamese people use bowing as usually to give their respect,
 30

bowing is not common in American culture even their objective communication is older or
in formal environment. American always would like to use handshaking in any situations.
In addition, waving, nodding and patting are used very commonly in Vietnam like friendly
gestures when greeting. In opposite, America, they don’t use waving, nodding and patting
as their common greeting gestures.
In a word, it can be seen that the use of gestures to greet is different between
American and Vietnamese people. Therefore, people should find out other cultures to
avoid culture shock and have great impression in initial greeting.
The solutions to greet effectively by gestures in Vietnamese culture and
American culture
In Vietnam, people often use bowing and nodding than the others as their greeting
gesture. However, when meeting American, they change their habits and use more
handshaking to greet friendly. They respect the ways that American people use, so they
sometimes use hugging and kissing. In opposite, in American, people choose handshaking,
hugging and kissing most to create their friendliness. But they also using bowing and
nodding when meeting Vietnamese people which they do not like using in their culture. It
seems more impressive and closely when people try to greet well. If they have good
attitude in greeting, they will have perfect conversations.
Most of both Vietnamese people and American people strongly agree that it is
nescessary to follow greeting gestures each other. Although there are some different
cultures and different habits, they will change to follow the opponent greeting gestures.
This shows that both Vietnamese people and American people always respect the opponent
cultural, they always are friendly when meeting each other.
 31

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION
4.1. Summary
To sum up, this chapter handles commonly used gestures in Vietnam and America.
Firstly, greeting gestures are discussed. As can be seen, many common greeting gestures
which are used by Vietnamese and American people show many differences in the
frequency of use and objectives. Secondly, a comparison on using greeting gestures being
used by American and Vietnamese people are also varied and different depending on
objectives or context of communication. They are typical greeting gestures in Vietnam and
American, which should be paid attention to avoid culture shock and to have the good
impressions in communication.
4.2. Limitations of study
In the process of conducting the study, although the researcher has made the
greatest effort, there are still some limitations. First of all, due to the limited time,
experience, the researcher only pays attention on greeting gestures of Vietnamese people
and American people. Besides, the scope of the study is comparative limitation. The
informants in this study are from only TAK13.1 class at FFL at UTEHY and 20 American
people who were asked to fulfill the survey questionnaire. Therefore, the result of the
study cannot be generalized. In spite of the mentioned limitations, the researchers hope
that this exploratory research will contribute to the better situation of communication in
English.
4.3. Suggestions for learning and teaching English
After presenting and comparing on using greeting gestures between Vietnamese
and American people, it can be seen that there are many differences and similarities in
using gestures for greeting between two countries. They can become the barrier for
Vietnamese learners to research and understand greeting gestures of American as well as
their culture. Therefore, to understand the implied meaning of greeting gestures of
American cultures, firstly, Vietnamese students and teachers should get information of the
use of gestures in America countries through films, websites, others materials as much as
possible. They will have more knowledge about cultures to avoid culture-shock.
Secondly, people often say: “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”, teachers and
students should find the American customs, use the gesture like the way the local people
 32

do to avoid impolite communication. Lastly, when people are communicating with others,
they always consider the situations and the contexts to greet in the right, use gestures
suitably in order to have communication naturally and keep talks running long, always be
confident, self-motivated in any situations that they are in.
 I

REFERENCES
Allan, P. (1981) Body Language: how to read other’s thoughts by their gestures.
Queensland: Pease International P.L
Hall, E.T. (1963.p422) Proxemics-The study of Man’s Spacial Relations and Boundaries.
NewYork: International Universities Press
Harris, P.R., Moran, R.T. (1977) Maganing Cultural Differences. Gulf Publishing Co,
Hoston
Mc Neil, D. (1992) What Gestures Reveal about Thought (190-212). NewYork:
Cambridge University Press
Nguyen Quang. (2008.p163.p223) Nonverbal communication across cultures.NXB Khoa
hoc Xa hoi
Nguyen Quang. (2002.p223) Cross-cutural communication.CFL- Vietnam National
University- Hanoi
Online references
ENR (2003), Culture shock challenges firms looking abroad. [Online article] Retrieved
May 22, 2018, from the World Wide Web
http://www.tamu.edu/classes/cosc/choudhury/culture.html
Joshua Schachter, Woman’s body language. Retrieved May 13, 2018, from the World
Wide Web http://www.linkroll.com/body-language/the-body-language-oflying.php
Jojo Tabares, (2018), Art of Eloquence. Retrieved May 13, 2018, from the World Wide
Web https://artofeloquence.com/products/speech-and-debate-value-package.
Mulder, P. (2012), Communication Model by Albert Mehrabian. Retrieved May 10, 2018,
from ToolsHero: https://www.toolshero.com/communication-skills/communication-model-
mehrabian/

APPENDIX I
SURVEY QUESTIONAIRE
 II

This questionnaire is designed for the research on “A cross-culture study

on using body language of Vietnamese and American people”. This questionnaire is
only for 20 American people. It is also for research purpose only. Your assistance in
completing the questionnaire is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to complete the
questionnaire. I would like to ensure that your personal information is always protected in
any situations.
Thanks for your assistance!
To complete the questionnaire, please tick (√) where appropriate, circle or express
your ideas in the blanks.
General information:
Your nationality: ………………
Your age: ………………
Your gender: …………….
Your marital status: ………………
Survey questionnaires
1. Have you ever used gestures in greeting someone?
Yes No
2. Which of the following gestures do use most when greet someone?
(Circle your answers, you can choose more than one)
A. Handshaking
B. Waving
C. Hugging
D. Bowing
E. Nodding
F. Patting
G. Kissing
 III

3. How frequently do you use them to greet?

Please tick √ in the following in the order of frequently:
Levels
always frequently sometimes never
Gestures
Handshaking
Waving
Hugging
Bowing
Nodding head
The pat
Kissing

4. Which of following factors do you consider when greeting?

(Circle your answers, you can choose more than one or express your ideas)
A. Age
B. Gender
C. Marital status
D. Social status
E. Environment
Others (please specify bellow)
……………………………………………………………………………………...
5. Which is the most important and less important?
(Please number the factors bellow in order of importance, number 1 is most
important and number 5 is less important).
Age
Gender
Marital status
Social status
Environment
Others (please specify bellow)
………………………………………………………………………………….
 IV

6. What of gestures do you generally use is:

6.1. The person you are greeting is:

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

older than
you

same age

younger
than you

6.2. The person you are greeting is:

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

your same
gender

your
opposite
gender
 V

6.3. The person you are greeting is:

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

single

married

6.4. The person you are greeting is:

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

higher
status
equal
status
lower
status
 VI

6.5. The person you are greeting is:

Handshaking Waving Hugging Bowing Nodding Patting Kissing

very
formal

formal

informal

very
informal

7. What gestures do you often use to greet more friendly and confidently if you
meet Vietnamese people? (Circle your answers, you can choose more than one)
H. Handshaking
I. Waving
J. Hugging
K. Bowing
L. Nodding
M. Patting
N. Kissing
8. How do you think of following greeting gestures in Vietnamese culture when
you greet to them? (Circle your anwser)
A. Very necessary
B. Necessary
C. Unnecessary
Thank you for your cooperation!
 VII

APPENDIX II
CÂU HỎI ĐIỀU TRA
Bản điều tra này được soạn ra nhằm phục vụ cho đề tài nghiên cứu”Nghiên cứu về
cách sử dụng ngôn ngữ cơ thể của người Việt và người Mỹ”. Bản khảo sát này dành
cho 50 người là người Việt Nam. Mục đích của câu hỏi là để tìm hiều xem thông thường
bạn thường sử dụng ngôn ngữ cử chỉ nào qua các tình huống dưới đây. Xin bạn vui lòng
dành chút thời gian giúp tôi hoàn thành bản điều tra này. Tôi xin khẳng định tôi sẽ không
nêu danh tính của bạn trong bất kì trường hợp nào.
Xin chân thành cảm ơn bạn !
Để hoàn thành những câu hỏi dưới đây, xin vui lòng đánh dấu (√ ) hoặc khoanh vào
những đáp án phù hợp hoặc đưa ra ý kiến của bạn.
Thông tin chung:
Quốc tịch: .......................
Tuổi: ................
Giới tính: .................
Câu hỏi điều tra:
1. Bạn có sử dụng các cử chỉ khi chào hỏi ai đó không?
Có Không
s
2. Những cử chỉ điệu bộ nào dưới đây bạna thường sử dụng khi chào hỏi ai đó?
(Khoanh tròn vào đáp án, có thể chọn nhiều
g hơn một đáp án)
A. Bắt tay g
B. Vẫy tay g
C. Ôm đ
D. Cúi đầu
E. Gật đầu
F. Đập tay
G. Hôn
 VIII

3. Bạn sử dụng các cử chỉ trên với mức độ như thế nào? ( Đánh dấu √ vào cột dưới
đây theo mức độ thường xuyên)

Mức độ
Luôn luôn Thường xuyên Thi thoảng Không bao giờ
Cử chỉ
Bắt tay
Vẫy tay
Ôm
Cúi đầu
Gật đầu
Đập tay
Hôn

4. Bạn thường quan tâm đến yếu tố nào khi chào hỏi ai đó?
(Khoanh tròn vào đáp án, có thể chọn nhiều hơn một đáp án)
A. Tuổi tác
B. Giới tính
C. Tình trạng hôn nhân
D. Địa vị xã hội
E. Hoàn cảnh, địa điểm khi gặp
F. Ý kiến khác (xin ghi rõ):
………………………………………………………………
5. Theo bạn, yếu tố nào là quan trọng nhất và ít quan trọng nhất?
(Đánh số từ 1 đến 5 theo mức độ quan trọng, 1 là quan trọng nhất, 5 là ít quan trọng
nhất)
Tuổi tác
Giới tính
Tình trạng hôn nhân
Địa vị xã hội
Hoàn cảnh, địa điểm khi gặp
Yếu kiến khác (xin ghi rõ) ………………………………
 IX

6. Khi giao chào hỏi ai đó, những điệu bộ cử chỉ nào dưới đây được sử dụng nếu:
(Đánh dấu √ vào ô quí vị chọn)
6.1. Đối tượng chào hỏi của bạn là:

Bắt tay Vẫy tay Ôm Cúi đầu Gật đầu Đập tay Hôn

lớn tuổi
hơn bạn

bẳng tuổi
bạn

nhỏ tuổi
hơn bạn
6.2.Đối tượng chào hỏi của bạn là:
Bắt tay Vẫy tay Ôm Cúi đầu Gật đầu Đập tay Hôn
cùng giới
với bạn
khác giới
với bạn

6.3. Đối tượng chào hỏi của bạn là:

Bắt tay Vẫy tay Ôm Cúi đầu Gật đầu Đập tay Hôn

chưa lập
gia đình
đã lập gia
đình
 X

6.4. Đối tượng chào hỏi của bạn là:

Bắt tay Vẫy tay Ôm Cúi đầu Gật đầu Đập tay Hôn

địa vị xã
hội cao
hơn
địa vị xa
hội bằng
địa vị xa
hội thấp
hơn

6.5. Hoàn cảnh, địa điểm khi chào hỏi là:

Bắt tay Vẫy tay Ôm Cúi đầu Gật đầu Đập tay Hôn

cực kì
trang
trọng
trang
trọng

thân mật

cực kì thân
mật
 XI

7. Những cử chỉ chào hỏi nào bạn sẽ sử dụng để trở nên thân thiện và tự tin
hơn nếu gặp người Mỹ? (Khoanh tròn vào đáp án, có thể chọn nhiều hơn một đáp án)
H. Bắt tay
I. Vẫy tay
J. Ôm
K. Cúi đầu
L. Gật đầu
M. Đập tay
N. Hôn
8. Theo bạn, có cần thiết phải làm theo các cử chỉ chào hỏi của người Mỹ khi
giao tiếp với họ không?
A. Rất cần thiết
B. Cần thiết
C. Không cần thiết
Cảm ơn rất nhiều vì sự hợp tác của bạn!