Who Are the Vietnamese?
The Vietnamese (Kinh people) are the majority ethnic group of Vietnam, numbering approximately 86 million (86% of Vietnam's population), with significant diaspora worldwide (approximately 4 million). They speak Vietnamese, an Austroasiatic language written in Latin script (quốc ngữ). The Vietnamese developed wet-rice civilization in the Red River Delta, maintaining independence against Chinese domination for most of 2,000 years—a remarkable achievement given China's proximity and power. French colonialism (1858-1954) and the American War (1955-1975) shaped modern Vietnam. Today, Vietnam is a rising Asian economy while maintaining one-party communist rule.
Resistance to China
Vietnam's history is defined by resistance to Chinese domination. After 1,000 years of Chinese rule (111 BCE-938 CE), the Vietnamese won independence at the Battle of Bạch Đằng (938). Subsequent dynasties—Lý, Trần, Lê—repeatedly defeated Chinese invasions; Trần Dynasty famously repelled three Mongol invasions (1257-1288). This history creates fierce national identity distinct from Chinese civilization despite deep cultural borrowing (Confucianism, Buddhism, administrative systems, Chinese characters used until 20th century). The origin myth—children of dragon lord Lạc Long Quân and mountain fairy Âu Cơ—asserts unique Vietnamese identity separate from China.
Colonial Era and Wars
French colonization (1858-1954) imposed foreign rule, extracted resources, and disrupted society. Resistance movements culminated in the Viet Minh under Ho Chi Minh, who declared independence in 1945. The First Indochina War (1946-1954) defeated France at Điện Biên Phủ. Partition led to the American War (Vietnam War, 1955-1975), devastating the country—an estimated 2-3 million Vietnamese died; Agent Orange poisoned land and people; unexploded ordnance remains. Victory in 1975 unified Vietnam under communism. This war shapes Vietnamese memory and international relations, particularly with the US, though normalization has progressed remarkably.
Culture and Traditions
Vietnamese culture blends indigenous Austroasiatic elements, Chinese influence, and more recent Western impacts. Confucian values—family hierarchy, education, ancestor veneration—remain strong despite communist critique. Buddhism, Taoism, and indigenous practices coexist. Tết (Lunar New Year) is the major holiday; ancestor worship and family altars are universal. Distinctive cuisine—phở, bánh mì, spring rolls—has globalized through diaspora. Water puppetry, cải lương opera, and traditional music represent performance arts. Vietnamese are known for resilience, education emphasis, and entrepreneurial energy—qualities visible in diaspora success.
Contemporary Vietnam
Modern Vietnam has achieved remarkable economic growth under "Đổi Mới" (renovation, from 1986)—transitioning from centralized planning toward market economy while maintaining Communist Party rule. Poverty has plummeted; manufacturing booms; urbanization accelerates. Yet challenges exist: environmental degradation, inequality, corruption, and political restrictions. Relations with China are complex—economic ties and territorial disputes (especially South China Sea) coexist. The diaspora, including former refugees (Việt Kiều), maintains connections and invests. How Vietnam balances development with environmental sustainability, and economic openness with political control, shapes its future as a rising Asian power.
References
- Taylor, K. W. (2013). A History of the Vietnamese
- Goscha, C. (2016). Vietnam: A New History
- Jamieson, N. (1993). Understanding Vietnam