AN INVESTIGATION ABOUT FORMS OF ADDRESS IN VIETNAMESE THROUGH THE REPORT OF A MARRIED COUPLE

Abstract

Vietnamese is a member of the Austroasiatic language family spoken by approximately 100 million people, predominantly in Vietnam, a country located in Southeast Asia. The language features a distinctive system of address terms that is deeply intertwined with both cultural and linguistic norms. Understanding these address codes is crucial for cultural immersion and for preventing potential misunderstandings in cross-cultural interactions. This study delves into the application of Vietnamese address terms across various familial and social contexts, examining how these terms are used to navigate relationships and communication settings. Through personal observations and in-depth interviews with a couple, the study explores the nuanced ways in which they addressed each other throughout their marriage. It was found that the choice of address terms is influenced not only by relational and situational factors but also by the individuals' sentiments, attitudes, and emotional states toward one another. This reveals that address terms in Vietnamese are not static but dynamically reflect the evolving nature of personal relationships and emotions. By analyzing these patterns, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of address terms in interpersonal communication and highlights the intricate ways in which language and culture intersect.