The Vietnamese Boat People A Return Home
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Jun 10, 2025 Chris Tran, a Vietnamese language program director in Saigon, joins Kavi Vu and John Vu to discuss the profound experience of returning to Vietnam after growing up in California. They explore the emotional layers of identity, belonging, and the challenges of reconnecting with their roots. The trio reflects on the complexities of 'Viet Kiều' and the shifting nature of Vietnamese identity, weaving personal anecdotes and cultural insights that highlight the contrasting emotions of nostalgia, cultural dissonance, and the quest for a sense of home.
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Moving 9,000 Miles To Test Home
- Kavi Vu moved from Atlanta to Saigon in 2023 to explore her parents' heritage and test if Vietnam could be home.
- She felt immediate familiarity in street life and mixed nostalgia with culture shock as she rebuilt daily life.
Bathroom Words Spark Cultural Humor
- John Vu shared a language mix-up where he asked for the toilet using an old word and received a jar of pepper instead.
- He adapted by learning newer vocabulary and celebrated finding old signs that validated his usage.
Việt Kiều Identity Is Expanding
- The modern meaning of Việt Kiều has expanded to include second-generation returnees who move back to live, not just visit.
- Returning Viet Kieu pursue diverse reasons beyond tourism, including careers in tech, startups, and manufacturing.