"Another follower of father Ho" Topic

For father Ho!

more at: link

If there is one recurring theme in that absolutely brilliant Ken Burns' series on Netflix, it is how Ho and Giap were largely sidelined in the US Vietnam conflict (but figureheads to this day). Everything is down to Le Duan……I never heard of him until recently. I even knew Le Duc Tho from Paris talks, but not Le Duan…let alone how to pronounce his name.

I haven't watched much of the Ken Burns thing – tried an episode and it was a bit Vietnam War 101 for me.

Giap and Ho Chi Minh were the older generation. In their 60s-70s during the American War so it's natural they were not involved in the day-to-day decisions.

General Giap's funeral was quite a big deal here a few years ago.

Le Duan has streets and schools named after him, but does not seem to figure much in popular culture. We are all supposed to have a picture of Ho Chi Minh on display [I do] and we are not allowed to defame him.

BTW – it's 'uncle Ho' = bác Hồ. Which is used for an older male who is older than your father. Bố is only used for your own father [It's Cha for catholic priests]. ông is used for someone old enough to be your grandfather. I get called that sometimes. Getting older is better than the alternative – I suppose.

Nice work as always !

I highly recommend both Ken Burn's documentaries. The ACW and the Vietnam War. I enjoyed both even though have read about, studied, etc., both conflicts. I always learn something new or see a new perspective. As well as more information is being found or released all the time. So watching more recent releases may bring those to light.

There are other documentaries about Vietnam too. The History Channel did one and it was pretty good too.

Skarper, question for you on your last post. I had always been told that "chao ba" was a term of respect when directed to women, regardless of age. I do know that similar to ong, it literally is meant for someone older like a grandmother.
Also, "chao anh" when addressing someone the same age or younger than you. Please let me know if this is right and if not, correct me.

Cam on

PS: I have forgotten most of what little Vietnamese I learned 52 years ago, but with the stay in place, am trying to learn more. Thanks!

Yeah – pronouns are very complicated.

It really depends on age and closeness of the relationship/respect.

Chào bà is for significantly older women – like your grandmother or great aunt's age. Chào cô is for women a bit older so is usually used for teachers by their students.

'Chị' is for an older sister and 'anh' for older brothers.

Younger people either sex are called 'em.' Unless they are children who are called 'cháu'.

There seem to be dozens of variations some of which even Vietnamese don't really understand well.

If unsure you can use 'tôi' to refer to yourself and the person you are talking to will reply with the appropriate pronouns so you can avoid confusion.

I have been here 12 years and made a couple of serious attempts to learn – but am still pretty useless. Lots of theories why but no real excuse.

Pronunciation is the real tough nut to crack. I know a few Westerners who are quite fluent so it certainly can be done.

I may try again when things have settled down.

Thank you, Sir!
Had no idea of that many pronouns. And yes, pronunciation is tricky and I understand the same word with different intonations can mean something entirely different.

All I had been told to use years back was ba, ong or anh,
and to use the first two to show respect. Now I wonder what they thought when we did that. At least we were trying.

We did use Xin Chao if addressing a group or as an initial greeting.

Again, thanks

Sam

You were much younger then – so many of the people would have qualified as old enough to be your grandparents!

Xin chào is not for a large group necessarily. It's just more polite as xin means please.

Generally speaking, people are tolerant of minor errors. But a tiny error can make the meaning completely different.

It's also frustrating that people from different regions pronounce things very differently. I have many friends from the Central Highlands and when they first came to DaNang they could not understand anything or be understood for 6 months or more.

Maybe when people can travel again you will get a chance to visit Vietnam under happier circumstances. I've met several visiting Americans who had been here back in the day.

link

This facebook group has some interesting then and now photos. All about DaNang and surrounding area though.

This is why I love this forum. So often a posting leads to a series of responses which evolve as a conversation should…..and I learn so much! Thanks folks.

Hope Tomrommel 1 does not feel we have hijacked his topic. (OK we have….but…)

First, apologies to Thomas for hijacking the thread.
Second, Thank you Skarper for that link. I spent 4 hours yesterday lost in time. Was amazed how little had changed between the 50s and 1968. Recognized some of the places and it was like going back in time. Was delighted to see the photos
of Hoi An. I always thought that beautiful quaint town was like something from a fairy tale. Glad to see with the recent photos, even with all the modernization, there is still a lot of the old Danang. Shows their respect for history. Period pics as well. Both places held some of my best memories.
i understand how they would be great places for tourist to visit. Again, Thanks. and I still haven't seen most of the pics!

You're welcome.