Part 1:

1. What is the most important festival in your country?

I think the most important one is the Tet Holiday. It is on the first of January according to the lunar
calendar. It’s more like a time for reunions, a moment to reflect on what's happened and prepare for
fresh starts, and most importantly, an occasion to enjoy ourselves, recharge our batteries as well, and
cherish the most valuable things in life.

2. Do you think this festival will still be as important in the future?

Yes, I believe that despite how our lives are changing, Tet will continue to be an essential traditional
festival in my country because it is more like a time for reunions, to reflect on what has happened and
prepare for new beginnings, and most importantly, an occasion to enjoy ourselves, recharge our
batteries and cherish the most valuable things in life.

3. Tell me how weddings are celebrated in your country.

Well, the wedding party seems to be the happiest day for not only brides and grooms but also the
parental generation. By that I mean food and music from this wedding seem to play a key role in keeping
people contented and cheerful.

4. What are some forms of traditional dancing in your country?

Traditional dancing is an important part of Vietnamese culture. There are many different types of
traditional dances, each with its unique history and style. The most popular traditional dance in Vietnam
is the Lion Dance. The Lion Dance is usually performed during holidays and festivals, and it is believed to
bring good luck and prosperity. The dancers wear a lion costume and they perform acrobatic
movements to the beat of traditional drums.

Part 2: Describe a festival that you enjoy

Now I’m going to talk about a public holiday that’s celebrated here in this country every year. It’s …
Christmas Day, you know, on the 25th of December. Some people might say it’s not a public holiday
here in Vietnam because they don’t have a day off, but I think the general public considers it a public
holiday for one reason or another.
I suppose almost everyone knows that Christmas Day is arguably the birthday of Jesus Christ, the
founder of Christianity, the origin of various religions today, including Catholicism and Protestantism.
That’s a long story, but what matters here is that the 25th of December is now celebrated in many
countries by both Christians and non-Christians.
Well… of course, different people do different things at Christmas. Some stay home with their family or
friends. Others go to church or join social activities outdoors. However, it seems to me that Christmas
Eve, the 24th of December, has more fun, and many people also enjoy the day right after Christmas Day,
the 26th of December, which is referred to as Boxing Day. You know, I’m a Buddhist, so I’m not
supposed to go to church at all, but to tell the truth, I like the Christmas atmosphere, and I often visit the
church near my home together with some close friends of mine. A few days before Christmas Eve, I also
dropped in on one of my best friends to help her decorate her Christmas tree with baubles, tinsel, and
fairy lights. It’s great to experience the feelings of getting together… with, you know, coziness and
happiness.
Part 3:
A. Historical sites
1. Are historical sites in your country popular with visitors?
Yes, many historical sites in my country are popular with visitors. There are a wide variety of attractions
for tourists to explore, from ancient ruins and archaeological sites to castles and palaces that have
survived over the centuries. With so much history and culture spanning across my country, it's no
wonder why there is such a large influx of international visitors looking to discover more about our
fascinating past.
2. Is it more important to preserve historical sites or make way for the developments of the
future?
There are many reasons why preserving historical buildings is important. One reason is that these
buildings often have cultural and architectural significance. They can tell the story of a place, its people,
and its history. Another reason is that these buildings are often unique and irreplaceable. Once they are
gone, they are gone forever. Additionally, preserving historical buildings can also be beneficial for the
local economy, as they can attract tourists and create jobs.
3. What do you think will happen to your country’s historical sites in the future?
That is hard to tell and all would depend on the future generation. If they feel that such locations and
buildings are worth preserving, the authorities would take steps to protect them. Otherwise, many of
them, which are less internationally known, would disappear and would be converted into ultramodern
commercial buildings. Prominent sites, on the other hand, would be preserved as they will attract many
international tourists.
B. Culture- past
1. What is “culture” for you?
A culture is a way of life of a group of people--the behaviors, beliefs, values, and symbols that they
accept, generally without thinking about them, and that are passed along by communication and
imitation from one generation to the next. Culture is symbolic communication.
2. Do you think it is important for a society or culture to have a sense of continuity with the past?
From a societal perspective, having a sense of continuity with the past can be important for several
reasons. Firstly, it helps to preserve cultural heritage and traditions, which can provide a sense of
identity and belonging for individuals within a society. This can also help to promote cultural diversity
and understanding. Secondly, learning from the past can help us to avoid repeating mistakes and make
better decisions in the present and future.
3. How will your country’s culture have changed in fifty years’ time?
It is difficult to predict exactly how my country's culture will change in fifty years' time, but there are
some potential trends that may emerge. With the rapid development of technology and globalization, it
is likely that our culture will become more diverse and interconnected with other cultures around the
world. This could lead to a greater appreciation for diversity and a blending of different cultural
traditions. Additionally, as our population ages and becomes more diverse, there may be a greater
emphasis on inclusivity and social justice. However, there may also be challenges to preserving
traditional cultural practices and values in the face of these changes. Overall, the future of my country's
culture will depend on a complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors, and it is impossible
to predict with certainty how it will evolve over the next fifty years.