Umorismo e realismo nella produzione letteraria popolare vietnamita: il caso dei ca dao

Vietnamese society is deeply influenced by Confucian values—emphasizing hierarchy, obedience, and decorum—and shaped by philosophical and religious traditions as well as authoritarian political regimes. As a result, individuals are often expected to conform to strict rules and behavioral norms. Within this framework, humor serves not only as an art form but, more importantly, as a means of emotional release and a subtle vehicle for critique, enabling people to challenge social rigidity, injustice, and resistance to change. This article explores various forms of humor in Vietnamese oral literature—including irony, comedy, and satire—with particular attention to ca dao folk poetry. It aims to illustrate how Vietnamese humor manifests in culturally specific ways and how, even within the constraints of Confucian morality, it can promote a deeper understanding of the socio-political complexities of this part of the world.