Russian–Vietnamese mutual perceptions from linguistic and cultural perspectives

Abstract

This paper investigates Russian–Vietnamese mutual perceptions based on the empirical, questionnaire-based approach. As the preliminary stage of a large-scale study devoted to revealing mutual representations of the Russian and Vietnamese people, ethnic portraits and self-portraits were compiled based on the linguistic data collected. The authors consider the study and its results as the further development of the theoretical and experimental approaches to the investigation of ethnic identification and self-identification processes. The survey participants were Russian and Vietnamese university students. The comparative analysis of the results demonstrated similarities and differences in the characteristic and personified (anthroponymic) self-portraits and portraits of the two peoples. Among the ten most frequently mentioned qualities to describe each other, kindness emerged as the only common feature. Regarding ethnic portraits, the most frequently mentioned characteristics of the Russians were hospitality, friendliness, and intelligence; while the Vietnamese portrait included such traits as hard-working, kind, and gay. The most frequent self-identification characteristics mentioned by the Russians were patience and courage, while the Vietnamese described themselves as united, hard-working and patriotic. The conclusion is made that ethnic portraits and self-portraits may differ considerably, as demonstrated above. Data obtained were systemised and analysed based of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Human Values, which resulted in noteworthy cross-cultural differences in the perception of openness to change and conservation. Data on the personified portraits and self-portraits of Russian and Vietnamese people are of interest. The collection of names of important or just famous persons as typical representatives of the people has been collected and analysed. The combined application of the international theories and the Russian ethnic conflictology approaches may contribute to gaining a clearer picture of Russian and Vietnamese mutual and self-perceptions, which in its turn will lead to a more effective intercultural dialogue.