Oral History of Aaron Nguyen
The interview with Aaron Nguyen, an 18-year-old second-generation Vietnamese-American, provides insights into his experiences growing up in the San Jose area. Aaron describes his family background, including his parents' names and occupations, as well as the cultural traditions and practices his family maintained, such as celebrating Vietnamese New Year. He discusses how growing up in a predominantly Vietnamese community in San Jose impacted his sense of belonging and identity as a Vietnamese-American. Aaron shares that while he does not speak Vietnamese fluently, he still identifies strongly with his Vietnamese heritage. He notes some cultural conflicts with his parents, particularly around their differing views on Western culture. Aaron also acknowledges a perceived barrier between first-generation and second-generation Vietnamese-Americans, with the former being more stubborn and the latter more flexible. Overall, the interview offers a nuanced perspective on navigating dual identities and the evolving nature of cultural traditions within the Vietnamese-American experience.
Title: Oral History of Aaron Nguyen
Contributor: Jane Cady, Jacqueline Pham
Contributing Institution: International Children Assistance Network
Date Created and/or Issued: 2025-04-03
Collection: 2nd Gen Vietnamese-American Oral History
Format: 1 PDF English Transcription, 1 M4a Audio File
Topics: Tradition and Customs | Refugee | Culture Conflict | Education | San Jose | Cultural Identity | Vietnamese American | Language | Ethnicity | Community
Language: English