Is Australian Culture Easy to Assimilate and Adapt for Vietnamese People?

Australia is a suitable destination for international students and immigrants around the world. Learn about the characteristics of Australian culture, notes and some comparisons with Vietnamese culture. Through that, learn about Australian culture, to help Vietnamese people easily integrate, avoid some taboos, and have more new experiences and discoveries with Australian culture.

1. Cultural Communication

The first in Australian literature is communication culture. A very small but no less important point to note before you come to Australia. Australian cultural characteristics when communicating are very friendly, open and comfortable.

That’s why in Australia, in daily conversations, they always use slang to express the familiar relationship between people. This is really a pretty big barrier for newcomers coming here.

In Australian culture, they are always polite in communication. They often say “sorry” when they want to express their mistakes or when they accidentally bump into others. Australians are very polite, we will not be surprised to see that they often use the word “thank you” when receiving help from others, which is also a characteristic of Australian culture.

The typical Australian culture of meeting and meeting for the first time is that, as a rule, you must shake hands with your right hand. The way of addressing people when meeting people they don’t know is also different between people they are familiar with. Usually you will not introduce others by their first name, but use your “last name” to address people you just met.

A few notes about taboos in Australian culture when communicating is that you should avoid mentioning religion and politics. These are probably the two topics listed first on the list of things to avoid in communicating with strangers when settling in Australia. Because, abroad, each person’s political and religious ego is completely different. Even parents and children still have opposing political views.

In Australian culture, the first time you communicate with strangers, you also need to be careful not to ask questions related to: their finances, marriage or age. Because these are extremely sensitive topics and many people clearly express their uncomfortable feelings when asked this private question.

2. Culinary Culture

Australian culture leaves an impression on visitors with its extremely rich and diverse culinary culture. Many great food cultures can be easily found in Australia. From luxury restaurants to popular restaurants, visitors can easily find very new dishes that are rich in nutrition and delicious.

In big cities like Sydney and Melbourne, international students can easily find Vietnamese dishes because there are Vietnamese communities concentrated in these areas. Not to mention the specialties of some Vietnamese regions such as Hue beef noodle soup, Vietnamese bread, Hanoi pho,…

Regarding food preferences in Australian culture, as well as the typical Australian culture of liking to eat natural foods such as vegetables and fruits, meat of wild animals such as kangaroo, ostrich meat, fresh seafood, etc. Australians love to eat outdoors, so when the weather is clear, picnics are crowded on park lawns. BBQ is an indispensable choice for them on every camping occasion.

Australian culture is also the cradle of famous wine production. Well-known wine brands include: Hardys, penfolds, yellow tail,…

3. Traffic Culture

Australia is a large country, so the traffic system and traffic regulations are also quite diverse. Along with Australian culture, those who have just settled in Australia also need to understand these principles to avoid breaking traffic laws. Here are a few traffic laws to keep in mind:

Calling and texting while driving is illegal
Sounding the horn or waving while driving is not allowed
When there is a STOP sign, you must stop your vehicle
In general, Australian culture or Australian cultural characteristics in terms of transportation are somewhat more appreciated than Vietnamese people. They issue a lot of regulations when participating in traffic and people are quite aware of implementing them. The system of vehicles running on the road has been clearly divided and has regular traffic police supervision, so accidents rarely occur.

4. Arts and Culture

Every year there are many new immigrants to Australia, many of whom are Europeans. It is known that Europeans were the first migrants to Australia many years ago. Therefore, Australian cultural characteristics of art are deeply influenced by Europe in Australian cultures. In addition, the culture of Australia’s indigenous people was formed a long time ago and still maintains today.

Architecture: Australian architectural characteristics, famous Australian architectural works (Sydney opera house, Sydney Harbor Bridge,…)
Music: Australian Opera, Brandenburg Symphony, etc.
Movies: The piano (1993), Max Mad (1979),…

5. Cultural Costumes

In Australian culture, traditional Australian costumes are very sophisticated and highly aesthetic. A traditional Australian Dirndl costume has a very simple design but brings a very harmonious overall look and enhances the gentle, graceful beauty of a girl, which is one of Australian cultures. A Dirndl set will include:

The bodice covers the chest
White short-sleeved shirt
Long skirts come in many striking colors
Outer front apron

Australian clothing culture is quite diverse, they are free in fashion but do not break the country’s own culture. Each person’s dressing style will be different based on their preferences, finances and location. For example, if Australians go to the beach, they will choose very comfortable clothes such as short shorts combined with a slit shirt or a cool T-shirt.

Although Australian culture is like that, most men often choose clothes such as jeans, shirts, t-shirts, vests,… to show strength and elegance. Australian women prefer outfits that are sophisticated and classy.

6. Office Culture

Australians’ office attire is quite simple, not too sophisticated. Looks discreet, neat and demonstrates a meticulous attitude at work in Australian culture.

In workplace communication, Australian culture always chooses direct ways of speaking, expressing clear goals. Communicating with everyone in the office regardless of position level, they always value polite and respectful attitudes toward each other. During off-work hours, they freely chat about each other’s lives to show close concern. People are really nice and friendly!

From Australian culture, you can see that although Australians are quite laid-back, they are extremely respectful when it comes to issues related to work or time. The punctuality culture of Australians in the workplace is implemented quite well by everyone. And those who violate will be fined or even fired. International students, please pay attention to this issue!

7. Gift Giving Culture

Giving gifts is a characteristic of each country. Australian culture when giving Australian gifts has many special and interesting features. Usually, even Vietnamese or Australian people are invited to attend a meal at home or simply visit the home of relatives or friends. They always prepare cute and small gifts to show their heart and care for the recipient.

In Australian culture, there are two major holidays a year: Christmas and New Year’s Eve. On these days, wine, flowers, and chocolate are three indispensable gifts when choosing gifts to give. Australia is the cradle of wine country, which will be an advantage for the gift giver. As for chocolate or flowers, they come in all types from design to size and are sold all year round.