CARD 05 srennaM ‫׀‬

You are inviting an English friend to your family dinner. Make a

conversation about
Vietnamese manners that you think your English friend should know
when he/she joins the
dinner at your home.
You may talk about the following points:
 What to wear
 What time to arrive
 How to greet people
 What to bring
 What to talk about and table manners
 Others

A: Hey! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to invite you to join my

family dinner next week. It's going to be a Vietnamese style dinner, so
there are a few things you should know about Vietnamese manners to
make sure you feel comfortable. Are you interested?

B: Absolutely! I would love to join your family dinner and experience trải
nghiệm) Vietnamese culture. Please tell me more about the Vietnamese
manners I should be aware of.

A: Great! Let's start with what to wear. In Vietnamese culture, it's usually
expected to dress modestly and conservatively, especially when visiting
someone's home for a dinner. So, I would recommend wearing something
slightly formal or semi-formal, like a nice shirt or blouse and trousers or a
skirt.

B: Got it, I'll make sure to dress accordingly(phù hợp). What about the
arrival time? What time should I aim to arrive?

A: In Vietnamese culture, punctuality is highly valued, so it's best to

arrive on time or a few minutes early. This shows respect for the host and
the importance you give to the event. It's always better to be a little early
than late.

B: I understand the importance of being punctual(đúng giờ). I will make

sure to plan my time accordingly and arrive on time.

A: Excellent! When you arrive, it's appropriate to greet the host and other
guests by slightly bowing your head and saying "hello”. It's a polite and
respect with everyone in the room
B: "Hello" I will greet your family and guets with this sentence when I
arrive.

A: That's perfect! Another thing to note is that in Vietnamese culture,

bringing a gift when visiting someone's home is customary(phong tục). It
could be a small gift, such as flowers, fruits, or a box of traditional
sweets. It's a gesture of appreciation for the invitation.

B: Thank you for letting me know. I'll make sure to bring a small gift to
express my gratitude. Flowers or fruits sound like a wonderful idea.

A: That would be lovely! Now, let's talk about what to discuss during the
dinner. Vietnamese people appreciate conversations about family, work,
and general topics that are light-hearted and positive. Avoid sensitive or
controversial topics, such as politics or personal questions. It's also
important to engage in active listening and be courteous.

B: Noted! I'll keep the conversation light and positive, focusing on family
and general topics. I'll make sure to be an attentive listener as well.

A: That's perfect! Lastly, let's talk about table manners. In Vietnamese

culture, it's polite to wait for the host or the eldest member of the family
to start eating before you begin. The host will usually invite everyone to
start eating by saying "please start eating." Vietnamese meals often
include shared dishes, and it's customary to serve others before serving
yourself.

B: I'll keep these table manned

CARD 06 ‫ ׀‬Manners

You are studying abroad in the United States. You have been invited to the Christmas
party at your friend’s home. You feel confused and worried as you know little about
the culture there. Ask another friend for his/her advice about proper manners at that
event as he/she has been living there for a long time.
You may talk about the following points:
 What to where
 What time to arrive
 What to bring
 What to talk about with guests, and table manners
 Others
A: Hey, I’ve been invited to a Christmas party at a friend's home here in the US,
and I'm feeling a bit anxious about the etiquette and customs. Can you give me
some advice on what to expect and how to conduct myself at the party?

B: Of course!. Let’s start with what to wear. Generally, for a Christmas party,
festive attire is appropriate. You could go with a nice sweater or dress that reflects
the holiday spirit.
A: That makes sense. What about the timing? What time should I arrive?

B: In the US, being punctual is important. It's best to arrive on time or even a few
minutes early if possible. It's considered respectful to not keep your host waiting.

A: Got it. I also wanted to ask about bringing a gift for the host. Is that customary,
and if so, what would be appropriate?

B: Bringing a small gift for the host. A bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, or a
small gift that reflects your culture could be great choices.

A: Thank you for the suggestions. I'm a bit worried about conversations with the
other guests. What should I talk about, and are there any off-limits topics?

B: Talking about holiday traditions, plans, and experiences is generally a good

starting point.Also, be open to sharing about your own traditions and experiences,
as others may be curious about your background.

A: That's helpful. How about table manners? Are there any specific things I
should keep in mind during the meal?

B: It's polite to wait until everyone is seated before starting to eat. Saying “please”
and “thank you” when asking for something or receiving something is important.
Engaging in conversation with those around you and complimenting the host on
the meal is also appreciated.
A: I appreciate the advice. Is there anything else I should know?
 B: Just be yourself . Your genuine and respectful attitude will be appreciated by
the host and the other guests.
A: Thank you so much for your guidance. I feel a lot more confident now.
B: You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. Have a great time at the party, and I'm
here if you need anything else.

Card 7:

You are discussing with your friend(s) about bad manners in the
online classroom.
You may consider the following ideas.
 Examples of bad manners in classroom
 Effects of the bad manners
 How to avoid those bad manners
 Other good manners

A: I've noticed some instances of bad manners in our online classroom, and
it's really concerning.

B: Absolutely, it's important to address this. Some examples of bad manners

I've observed include students talking over each other during online
discussions, not muting their microphones when there's background noise

A: I've also noticed students using inappropriate language and disrespect

teachers.

B:.Bad manners in the online classroom can have various negative effects,
create a disrespectful atmosphere, and undermine the learning experience for
everyone involved.

A: Not to mention, it can also impact the teacher's ability to effectively teach
and engage with the students.

B: Absolutely, and it's important for students to be mindful of their behavior

and strive to avoid these bad manners. practicing active listening and waiting
for their turn to speak during discussions. Additionally, muting microphones
when not speaking and using appropriate language.

A: Setting clear expectations for online behavior and reminding students

about them regularly can also help mitigate bad manners.
B: That's a great point. Encouraging students to use polite language, and
express themselves respectfully can create a more positive and supportive
online learning environment.

A: It's also important to encourage empathy and understanding.

B: Absolutely, fostering empathy and understanding among students is

crucial. Additionally, being punctual for online classes, dressing appropriately
is very important.

A: Absolutely, these are all important aspects of promoting good manners in

the online classroom.

B: Definitely, we can ensure that the virtual learning environment is

conducive to effective learning, respectful interaction.
CARD 8:
You and your partner(s) are making a discussion about the question:
‘Who should teach manners to children, parents or teachers?’
You can talk about the following points:
 importance of good manners for children
 examples of good manners for children
 the role of parents/ teachers or both in teaching good manners
to children

Partner 1: I think good manners are crucial for children's development. It's
essential for them to learn how to respect others.

Partner 2: I completely agree. Children who are well-mannered tend to have

better relationships with their peers and adults.

Partner 1: Definitely. So, who do you think should take the lead in teaching
children good manners, parents, or teachers?

Partner 2: I believe both parents and teachers have a role to play in teaching good
manners to children. Parents are the first teachers in a child's life.

Partner 1: That makes sense. Parents have the opportunity to model good
manners and set a positive example for their children to follow.

Partner 2: Absolutely. Parents can actively teach good manners to their children
through direct instruction, reinforcement, and guidance.
Partner 1: And teachers also play a crucial role in teaching good manners to
children. Children spend a significant amount of time in school, where they
interact with peers, teachers, and other adults.
Partner 2: That's right. Teachers can create a positive and respectful environment
where good manners are encouraged and practiced.

Partner 1: I think the key is for parents and teachers to work together to reinforce
the importance of good manners and including home and school.

Partner 2: Absolutely, collaboration between parents and teachers is crucial.

ensuring that they receive consistent guidance and support in developing positive
social skills and behaviors.

Partner 1: It's important for parents and teachers to have regular

communication.By working together, they can create an environment in which
good manners are valued and practiced.

Partner 2: I couldn't agree more. Ultimately, both parents and teachers have a
shared responsibility in teaching good manners to children.

Partner 1: I think good manners are crucial for children's development. It's
essential for them to learn how to respect others and behave appropriately in
different social settings.

Partner 2: I completely agree. Children who are well-mannered tend to have

better relationships with their peers and adults. They are more empathetic and
considerate towards others.