People of different cultures often find it difficult to communicate with each other. There are many reasons why it happens. One of them is cultural differences among countries. It causes cultural shock, even cultural conflicts relating to specific speech acts such as addressing, thanking, greeting, complaining and so on. That is why cross-cultural research of address terms is imperative.
In Vietnam, especially in Vietnamese Universities, teachers and students are aware of the fact that a suitable address term can establish and maintain a good relationship. For some international universities, it is all the more important because teachers and students of different cultures can meet and work together. The author herself has experienced such problems. Thus, how to address appropriately will help us communicate successfully.