Cultural Factors in Adolescent Alcohol USE among Ede Ethnic Minority in Highland Central Vietnam

This study aims at describing the culture of alcohol use among Ede ethnic adolescents in highland central Vietnam. The ethnographic study in two villages of M'Drak district, Dak Lak province was conducted from June to September 2007. Eight male adolescents (15-19 years old) who were drinkers, four adolescent non-drinkers, eight key informants who are parents, village patriarchs, oldest people, and the owner of the alcohol outlets were in-depth interviewed. Participant observation with different groups was implemented. The result shows that all of ceremonies of Ede people are opportunities for male adolescents to learn how to drink Kpie Ceh, how to play Ede music, sing and dance. They believe that Kpie Ceh- a pot of wine that uses the bamboo straw for drinking made by Ede people- is necessary for their life. They use Kpie Ceh in every offering or in ceremonies. In ceremonies before 1975, large amount of Kpie Ceh was consumed. Several times a year, villagers gather to celebrate events such as rice harvests, festivals, weddings or funerals. For the past few years, adolescents have been increasingly using rice wine. They often drink alcohol at every evening, each adolescent can use one liter of rice wine per time. Some adolescents are allowed to drink together with their parents. Many ritual outlets are selling alcohol that is illegal in these villages, even a child also can buy alcohol. In conclusion, Ede adolescent alcohol uses are not only influenced by their culture, but also affected by the environment social economic context.