Talk cuối tuần: Cô gái Lào yêu Việt Nam - Cầu nối lan tỏa văn hóa | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Cultural Ambassador: Mesa, a Laotian student in Vietnam, acts as a cultural bridge between Vietnam and Laos.
• Vietnam-Laos Friendship: The video emphasizes the deep and enduring relationship between the two countries, often referred to as "brotherly nations."
• Cultural Exchange: Mesa shares her experiences and observations about Vietnamese culture, and in turn, teaches a traditional Laotian dance.
• Personal Growth: Mesa's time in Vietnam has broadened her horizons, made her more resilient, and deepened her appreciation for life.
• National Celebrations: The video touches upon upcoming national holidays in Laos and past significant celebrations in Vietnam.

Mesa's Journey as a Cultural Bridge

Mesa, a Laotian student in Vietnam, has embraced her role as a cultural ambassador, aiming to foster understanding and strengthen the friendship between Vietnam and Laos. Through her engaging videos, she shares everyday stories that highlight the shared spirit of youth and the cultural beauty of both nations. Her journey exemplifies how young people can serve as vital cultural links, inspiring their peers to appreciate the profound relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

Upcoming Laotian National Day and Past Vietnamese Celebrations

Mesa expresses her excitement and emotion as Laos approaches its 50th National Day. She plans to return to Laos to participate in the celebrations and has invited her Vietnamese friends to join her, allowing them to experience the warmth of Laotian hospitality and understand the affection Laotians hold for Vietnam. She also reflects on her experiences witnessing Vietnam's 50th and 80th-anniversary celebrations, describing them as "heroic and sacred moments" where she felt welcomed and treated like family by the Vietnamese people.

The "Brotherly Nations" Connection

Mesa's decision to study in Vietnam was influenced by her family's stories about the "brotherly nations" relationship between Vietnam and Laos. Her curiosity about this bond, coupled with her admiration for her academically successful cousin who received a full scholarship to study in Vietnam, motivated her to pursue her education there. She highlights that this relationship is not just a matter of historical documents but is evident in the actions and shared struggles of both countries, from past joint efforts in fighting for independence to present-day cooperation in development, exemplified by the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Park.

Initial Challenges and Cultural Discoveries in Vietnam

Upon arriving in Vietnam, Mesa faced several initial challenges. The most striking was the frequent use of car horns, a stark contrast to Laos where horns are used sparingly. She also found Vietnamese cuisine to be milder than the spicy and flavorful Laotian dishes, though she has since developed a fondness for Vietnamese food, including dishes like "đậu mắm tôm" (fermented shrimp paste with tofu). Another cultural difference she observed was in dining etiquette. While Vietnamese people often invite elders to eat first, Laotians tend to start eating once everyone is seated, a custom that initially led to some awkwardness for Mesa when she inadvertently ate before being formally invited.

Personal Transformation and Appreciation for Vietnam

Living and studying in Vietnam has significantly impacted Mesa. She feels her mind has been opened, her perspective on life broadened, and she has become more resilient and stronger. She admits that previously, she would cry easily, but her experiences in Vietnam have fostered a greater sense of independence. Beyond personal growth, Mesa deeply appreciates Vietnam's cuisine and its vibrant festival culture, noting the distinct differences between Vietnamese Tet and Laotian New Year.

Mastering the Vietnamese Language

Mesa's journey with the Vietnamese language was initially challenging. Upon arrival, she knew only "xin chào" (hello) and "xin lỗi" (sorry). She recounts crying for a week due to homesickness and the difficulty of learning the language, particularly the tones. She humorously points out that Vietnamese has tones, which she struggled with, leading to misunderstandings. She shares an anecdote about a word that, due to mispronunciation, became "bậy lắm" (very naughty/obscene), causing laughter.

Learning the Laotian Lam Vong Dance

In a reciprocal cultural exchange, Mesa teaches her interviewer the traditional Laotian dance, Lam Vong. She explains that this dance is commonly performed during weddings, festivals, and other special occasions. She guides him through the basic steps, emphasizing the welcoming greeting and the graceful footwork. The dance is performed to a traditional Laotian song, "Bay Đăm Bay Đai."

Conclusion and Well Wishes

The interviewer expresses his gratitude to Mesa for sharing her culture and wishes her and the Laotian people a vibrant and joyful National Day celebration, drawing parallels to Vietnam's past grand celebrations. He also wishes Mesa continued health and success in her role as a cultural bridge, contributing to the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Laos. Mesa reciprocates by expressing her commitment to personal development and to promoting the positive image of both nations.