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The Hmong Population and Education

The Hmong-speaking population of the United States represents a much smaller population as a percentage compared to other Asian-American cultures. The 2000 U.S. Census states that there are about 200,000 to 250,000 people of full or partial Hmong ancestry living in the United States. Most Hmong-Americans live in California, Minnesota and Wisconsin, with the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area featuring a very high concentration of Hmong immigrants. When working with this group in your education organization, it helps to keep the following in mind about the Hmong immigrant population’s culture and language.

The Hmong language is made up of many dialects spoken by the Hmong people of parts of China, northern Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. The two most common dialects of Hmong are White Hmong (Hmong Der) and Green/Blue Mong (Mong Leng). White Hmong is spoken by the majority of Hmong immigrants in the United States. Green/Blue Mong is mutually intelligible with White Hmong, but differs in certain aspects. Some have compared the two dialects’ differences to those between American and British English. Hmong is a tonal language and was an oral language until it began to be written by missionaries in 1952. New words are being constantly borrowed from Thai, Vietnamese and Lao.

Many Hmong immigrants arrived in the U.S. after having fled political persecution after the Vietnam War. Many tend to suffer from poverty which has implications on their assimilation. As of the 1990 census, 60 percent are said to live in poverty with a mean national income of $14,327. However, it’s important to remember that not all Hmong are the same, especially because some Hmong were born in the United States and there has gradually been an increase in the number of Hmong who are college educated. Various degrees of acculturation exist, as with many other cultural groups within the U.S.

There are some key differences between the U.S. educational system and the system that most Hmong speakers are most familiar with. For example, in Laos, education is centralized and not localized in neighborhoods as it is here. Teachers are viewed as more formal authority figures and therefore they should mainly dictate all aspects of schooling. As a result, parents have less to do with the direction of their children’s education and are not as involved in the school community. It can be a challenge to get parents involved in their children’s education. However, this is becoming somewhat easier as second generation children are now in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade and their parents realize they’re encouraged to be involved.

Generally, when working with Hmong populations, it’s best to explain educational processes and procedures very clearly and think through the proper sequence of an explanation, either written or verbal. It’s best to use simple words and be aware of information overload. Be conscious of other cultural differences, such as: in the Hmong culture, some Hmong people might be unwilling to ask questions because they feel it’s disrespectful and they fear making the speaker angry. If your school or district can anticipate some questions this population might be unwilling to voice, this might lessen confusion and encourage participation in school activities.

Most Hmong cultures are very focused on family and on being self-sufficient while providing for one’s family. Much is shared by the extended family, and children are loved and accepted by a group of relatives and friends. Additionally, great importance is placed on traditional cultural celebrations.

Schools can honor and welcome immigrant Hmong groups by recognizing these cultural events and providing written information in their native languages.


	viaLanguage Translation Articles The Hmong Population and Education The Hmong-speaking population of the United States represents a much smaller population as a percentage compared to other Asian-American cultures. The 2000 U.S. Census states that there are about 200,000 to 250,000 people of full or partial Hmong ancestry living in the United States. Most Hmong-Americans live in California, Minnesota and Wisconsin, with the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area featuring a very high concentration of Hmong immigrants. When working with this group in your education organization, it helps to keep the following in mind about the Hmong immigrant population’s culture and language. The Hmong language is made up of many dialects spoken by the Hmong people of parts of China, northern Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. The two most common dialects of Hmong are White Hmong (Hmong Der) and Green/Blue Mong (Mong Leng). White Hmong is spoken by the majority of Hmong immigrants in the United States. Green/Blue Mong is mutually intelligible with White Hmong, but differs in certain aspects. Some have compared the two dialects’ differences to those between American and British English. Hmong is a tonal language and was an oral language until it began to be written by missionaries in 1952. New words are being constantly borrowed from Thai, Vietnamese and Lao. Many Hmong immigrants arrived in the U.S. after having fled political persecution after the Vietnam War. Many tend to suffer from poverty which has implications on their assimilation. As of the 1990 census, 60 percent are said to live in poverty with a mean national income of $14,327. However, it’s important to remember that not all Hmong are the same, especially because some Hmong were born in the United States and there has gradually been an increase in the number of Hmong who are college educated. Various degrees of acculturation exist, as with many other cultural groups within the U.S. There are some key differences between the U.S. educational system and the system that most Hmong speakers are most familiar with. For example, in Laos, education is centralized and not localized in neighborhoods as it is here. Teachers are viewed as more formal authority figures and therefore they should mainly dictate all aspects of schooling. As a result, parents have less to do with the direction of their children’s education and are not as involved in the school community. It can be a challenge to get parents involved in their children’s education. However, this is becoming somewhat easier as second generation children are now in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade and their parents realize they’re encouraged to be involved. Generally, when working with Hmong populations, it’s best to explain educational processes and procedures very clearly and think through the proper sequence of an explanation, either written or verbal. It’s best to use simple words and be aware of information overload. Be conscious of other cultural differences, such as: in the Hmong culture, some Hmong people might be unwilling to ask questions because they feel it’s disrespectful and they fear making the speaker angry. If your school or district can anticipate some questions this population might be unwilling to voice, this might lessen confusion and encourage participation in school activities. Most Hmong cultures are very focused on family and on being self-sufficient while providing for one’s family. Much is shared by the extended family, and children are loved and accepted by a group of relatives and friends. Additionally, great importance is placed on traditional cultural celebrations. Schools can honor and welcome immigrant Hmong groups by recognizing these cultural events and providing written information in their native languages.