Common misunderstandings between Vietnamese newcomers and Australia
Cultural misunderstandings usually do not come from ill will — they come from two sides using different conventions to read the same action. This article lists some specific situations that often arise and explains why.
”No opinion” or “being polite”?
The situation: In a meeting, when asked “What do you think?”, you stay silent or say “Okay” to avoid offering an opinion when you are not sure.
How it is read in Australia: The person asking usually takes it to mean you have nothing to say or that you fully agree.
What is really happening: You are being polite, considering, or letting others speak first — in a way that is normal in some Vietnamese contexts.
How to handle it: If you need more time to think, say so: “Let me think about that for a moment” or “I’ll get back to you on that.” This is understood and accepted far better than silence.
Declining food or drink
The situation: A host or colleague offers you something to eat or drink. You decline even though you actually want it, because you assume they are only asking out of politeness and will ask again.
How it is read in Australia: An offer is usually made only once. “No thank you” is taken as a real answer, and the person will not ask again.
What is really happening: You are using your own social convention — declining the first time so as not to seem eager.
How to handle it: If you want it, say “Yes please” the first time. There is no need to decline first to be polite.
Asking about pay or financial situation
The situation: You ask a colleague or acquaintance in Australia about their pay, standard of living, or financial situation — meaning it as a sign of interest or to gather information to guide your own choices.
How it is read in Australia: Questions about personal income and finances are usually considered private — especially with people you do not know well. The person asked will often answer vaguely or politely sidestep, and feel a little uncomfortable.
How to handle it: Look up market salary information through platforms such as Seek or LinkedIn, or ask in a more general way: “What does this field usually pay?” rather than asking that person directly what they earn.
Staying silent when you disagree
The situation: A boss or colleague proposes something you disagree with. You stay silent or nod along to avoid causing trouble.
How it is read in Australia: The person proposing takes it to mean you agree and will proceed accordingly.
What is really happening: You are keeping the peace and waiting for a more suitable moment to respond.
How to handle it: You can say something gentle like “I have some questions about this approach” or “I’m not sure this will work, for X reason — can we discuss?” Polite pushback is not disrespect — here it is a contribution that is valued.
Being overly attentive can be misread
The situation: You bring food to the office, press others to eat more, or constantly check in on someone you do not know well.
How it is read in Australia: It can create a feeling of discomfort or of overstepping personal boundaries.
What is really happening: You are showing care in a way that is familiar in Vietnamese culture.
How to handle it: Bringing food to share is welcome — but putting it on a shared table and letting people help themselves is usually more comfortable than serving each person directly. Checking in once is enough — no need to repeat it if the person does not share more.
A faint smile when hearing criticism
The situation: When receiving negative feedback or having a mistake pointed out, you give a faint smile — a habit some people use to show they are not upset and are listening.
How it is read in Australia: It can be taken to mean you are not taking the feedback seriously, are laughing off the situation, or are not really listening.
How to handle it: Nodding, keeping moderate eye contact, and responding in words where appropriate (“I understand”, “Thanks for the feedback, I’ll work on that”) conveys seriousness more clearly.
Cultural misunderstandings usually pass with more time and context. The most important thing is that when you realise a misunderstanding has occurred, you address it directly and gently — and don’t let it build up.