Exploring Vietnamese and Filipino Language of Self: In Search of a Shared Identity within an Imagined ASEAN Community

Abstract

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a group of ten nations in the Southeast Asian region, is building a strong socio-cultural community that aims to unite 650 million people under one regional identity. While this endeavor continues to remain a dream rather than a reality, the organization is working hard to ensure its success. At the moment, institutional markers, blueprints, and policies symbolize the existence of the ASEAN identity. But beyond that, it is still hard to see how the myriad of people living in this diverse region can begin to identify themselves as ASEAN citizens. The path to making this dream a reality is still a work in progress. And although its success is uncertain, one thing remains true - the millions of people living in this part of the world cannot be simply coerced to assume an identity through policies and mere symbols. This article aims to contribute to the discourse on ASEAN identity by exploring an area that could potentially provide the impetus for Filipinos and Vietnamese to begin seeing each other as part of the same social group. The Philippines and Vietnam are two countries which at first glance seem to lack many cultural and social commonalities. For that reason, the language of “self” in both countries will be explored to establish a shared identity between Filipinos and Vietnamese. This will not only strengthen mutual understanding of cultures but also provide a starting point upon which we can reexamine our connections within the region. Although our ASEAN is but an imagined community, the acceptance of shared identities among its diverse population can be the glue that will bind us into one collective identity. Similar research undertakings exploring not so salient topics can enhance the discourse on ASEAN identity and help us move beyond the current conundrum in establishing our regional identity.