Language & Landmarks: The One Pillar Pagoda

Xin chào and welcome to Chùa Một Cột, The One Pillar Pagoda.This unique landmark is found in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and was the result of a dream. From 1028-1054 Ly Thai Tong ruled the country then called Đại Việt (Northern Vietnam). Even though his family’s dynasty was responsible for many advances, he remained childless for much of his reign. Seeking an understanding of life through religion, specifically Buddhism, he prayed for an heir. One night he dreamed that the goddess Quan Am appeared to him sitting on a lotus blossom, presenting him with a son. Shortly after, he married a peasant girl and the heir to the throne was born. In thanksgiving, he built the pagoda to honor this goddess of compassion and protectress of children. Located in the middle of a small pond, the pagoda is designed to resemble a lotus blossom rising out of the water. The lotus is a Buddhist symbol of purity, since the flower flourishes in a muddy pool. Family is important to rulers who need heirs, but is demonstrated in many other ways throughout Asia. It is reflected in the unique way that names are structured, as well as the way individuals address each other. In Vietnam the family name comes first, then a middle and then a given name. The middle name might indicate the gender of the individual, for example Thị is common for women and Văn for men. It may also be generational, shared by all men or women of that generation, or it may indicate birth order. The given name, last in order, is carefully chosen to evoke a meaning or an attribute that the parents wish for the child. Brothers and sisters address each other not necessarily with their given names, but with titles which identify their order in the family, such as younger brother or older sister. People may even address those outside of the family with titles that demonstrate respect yet a family-like relationship, such as uncle and aunt . What might your counterpart’s name mean? What forms of address are appropriate in Vietnam or other parts of Asia? How might one pronounce a common Vietnamese surname like Nguyen? Learning the native language has many personal and professional benefits when doing business around the world.

-- Mary Beauregard, Global LT Intercultural Consultant

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