WHO ARE THE MONG?

The Mong (aka Hmong* or Miao) is an Asian ethnic group that originates from China.  The Mong people have a history span of about 5,000 years with the Chinese.  Today, there's an estimate of 7-9 million Mong worldwide including China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Burma, United Sates, France, Canada, and a few other smaller countries.  

For those who may not know, there are two major groups of Mong known as Mong Leng (Moob Leeg) and Hmong Der (Hmoob Dawb).  In the West, Mong Leng is sometimes referred to as Blue or Green** Hmong, and Hmong Der is usually called White Hmong.  In this passage, I'm using the word "Mong" to include ALL for I'm writing as spoken in Mong Leng.

There are still other groups or names such as Striped Mong, Black Mong, Red Mong, Flowery Mong, etc., who live in parts of Southeast Asia and China.  These designations are said to be given by the Chinese in earlier dynasties, who tried to divide the Mong people by requiring them to wear different colors of clothing.  Regardless of their names or labels, all Mong are still Mong, and they are either a subgroup of Hmong Der or Mong Leng.  

Many of my colleagues and friends asked me if "Mong" is a typo and shouldn't it be spelled as H-m-o-n-g?  I told them it is correct and then had to explain why it is so.  Just for those who are curious as well, here's the facts.  The word "Mong" derives from the word "Moob," a term Mong Leng use and uttered when referring to this ethnic people, both past and present.  Similarly, the word "Hmong" originates from the term "Hmoob," a Hmong Der enunciation which is also used in the same sense as the word "Mong."  Thus, even when written and pronounced differently, the two words, Mong and Hmong, mean the same and refer to the same group of people, just like the words Moob and Hmoob.  

Are there any other differences between Mong Leng and Hmong Der besides written and spoken words?  Yes.  Clothing is the second difference but not that significant anymore.  In Laos, Mong Leng women usually wore red, embroidered skirts; and Hmong Der women dressed in plain, white skirts.  Nowadays, in the United States and elsewhere, Mong people wear western clothing so one could hardly tell if someone is Mong Leng or Der unless you hear them speak.  Even at the Mong New Year celebration, Mong children often dress in whatever they feel its pretty or "cool."

Today, there are still debates as to which name "Hmong,"  "Mong," or both should be used side-by-side.  Hmong Der argue that using the spelling M-o-n-g will only confuse the outside world.  Mong Leng disagree and say that it's the inequity in federal funding, material translations in both social services and schools, etc., that propel them to preserve and maintain their identity, language, and culture.  So far, there's little or no compromise on this issue; but one thing for sure is that "Hmong" has been used consistently for the past 30 years in the west and so it's recognition can only grow from here.  This is not to say that "Mong" is slowly disappearing.  There are actually some writers in the U.S. and other countries who use the word "Mong" when writing about our people.  The truth of the matter is whether you use "Hmong" or "Mong," the pronunciation that usually comes out is almost always "Mong."

Personally, because I'm a Mong Leng, I will continue to use the term "Mong" in writing and spoken words as long as I can, and the word "Hmong" when the appropriate action calls for it.  I believe we need to learn to accept and appreciate our unique but very important differences.  It is when we fail to show respect or recognize our diversities that often lead us to misunderstandings and unintended consequences.  So from now on, let's do the right thing for all Mong and not to worry so much about what others say or tell you.  Learn both Mong Leng and Hmong Der and just be really proud of what you still have because some people in the world don't even have that--it be name or spoken words!

For comments or questions about this or any other topics, please feel free to email me. 

 

Note:

*Although the word "Hmong" has been used more extensively and, thus, has gained a wider recognition and acceptance in the west, it does not mean that it is better or the only acceptable term used to refer to this ethnic group of people.  

**Some Mong Leng reject the use of the name "Green Hmong" because they say it is derogatorily offensive. Hmong Njua and Hmong Leng are also incorrect ways to refer to Mong Leng, they say.  Personally, the name "Green Hmong" or "Moob Ntsuab" does not offend me.  From what I have heard and see, there are some Mong Leng who call themselves by that name.

Updated:  08/15/10