Communication within the Hmong People
The Hmong people speak two dialects of the Miao-Yao language. These dialects are known as White Hmong (Hmong Der dialect) or Green Hmong (Mong Leng dialect). The names of these languages originate from the colors that were traditionally worn in the different groups. Although there are different dialects most Hmong speakers are able to understand one another.
Communication Style
When talking with a Hmong person there are different communication styles that may come into play. One way that Hmong's show respect is that when the communicate they may not look directly at your eyes. In Hmong tradition it is a sign of disrespect to look someone in the eyes, especially ones elder. Therefore, you might see Hmong people looking at the floor or at something else in the distance. Another communication style that is unique to the Hmong culture is their use of tones affecting the meaning of words. If someone speaks with a high tone on a certain word it could mean something completely different. It is also important to be aware of your body language because if Hmong people do not understand what you are saying they will try to interpret the meaning of what you are saying by your body language and tone of voice. Lastly, When talking to someone of the Hmong community it is important to understand that when they say "yes" or "okay" it might actually mean "no". Hmong people try to be very kind and non-offensive so instead of saying "no" they will say "okay", but this actually means no. It is important to use open-ended questions and if something is not clear ask for them to repeat their interpretation back.
Personal Space
The traditional Hmong family like to have their personal space especially if they are around an unfamiliar person of opposite sex. In addition to personal space Hmong people do not want strangers to touch them especially their heads, due to religious beliefs of being the most sacred part of the body and personal values.
Gender plays a huge role in the Hmong culture. Men and women are not even allowed to sit close to each other while conversing because it is seen as inappropriate. Another cultural difference is that Hmong do not shake hands with women, but is okay for men to exchange handshakes.
Religion
The Hmong religion is traditionally animist, which is the belief that the spirit world connects with all living things. This religion is focused around the shaman ("father/master of spirits"). This religion has no hard set of rules, but has its traditional beliefs, rituals, and changing roles in society. In shamanism, everything has a spirit and that everything is connected including living and non-living things such as: trees, rocks, and grass. Since all things have a spirit they also have an aura, an invisible distinct emanation of energy
Shamans are the leader of this religion and focus on healing and treating spiritual illnesses. The healing process takes place by the shaman traveling between the spirit world and the living world to find what caused the specific disease (religious, spiritual, or other cause). During this spiritual travel the shaman travels with the guide or the Tree of Life which provides directions to them, since it is easily for the to get lost.
Animist believe that the body has a number of souls and if something happens that separates the soul from the body disease will happen. In order to have a cure, the soul must be found during a Soul-Calling ceremony (is seen in the video below). During the ceremony, Shamans offer live sacrifice of animals to attempt to heal illnesses through offerings of other spirits. The shaman uses an animal soul to support and protect his patient's soul.
This video below is an example of a soul calling ceremony for a traditional Hmong family.
Communication Style
When talking with a Hmong person there are different communication styles that may come into play. One way that Hmong's show respect is that when the communicate they may not look directly at your eyes. In Hmong tradition it is a sign of disrespect to look someone in the eyes, especially ones elder. Therefore, you might see Hmong people looking at the floor or at something else in the distance. Another communication style that is unique to the Hmong culture is their use of tones affecting the meaning of words. If someone speaks with a high tone on a certain word it could mean something completely different. It is also important to be aware of your body language because if Hmong people do not understand what you are saying they will try to interpret the meaning of what you are saying by your body language and tone of voice. Lastly, When talking to someone of the Hmong community it is important to understand that when they say "yes" or "okay" it might actually mean "no". Hmong people try to be very kind and non-offensive so instead of saying "no" they will say "okay", but this actually means no. It is important to use open-ended questions and if something is not clear ask for them to repeat their interpretation back.
Personal Space
The traditional Hmong family like to have their personal space especially if they are around an unfamiliar person of opposite sex. In addition to personal space Hmong people do not want strangers to touch them especially their heads, due to religious beliefs of being the most sacred part of the body and personal values.
Gender plays a huge role in the Hmong culture. Men and women are not even allowed to sit close to each other while conversing because it is seen as inappropriate. Another cultural difference is that Hmong do not shake hands with women, but is okay for men to exchange handshakes.
Religion
The Hmong religion is traditionally animist, which is the belief that the spirit world connects with all living things. This religion is focused around the shaman ("father/master of spirits"). This religion has no hard set of rules, but has its traditional beliefs, rituals, and changing roles in society. In shamanism, everything has a spirit and that everything is connected including living and non-living things such as: trees, rocks, and grass. Since all things have a spirit they also have an aura, an invisible distinct emanation of energy
Shamans are the leader of this religion and focus on healing and treating spiritual illnesses. The healing process takes place by the shaman traveling between the spirit world and the living world to find what caused the specific disease (religious, spiritual, or other cause). During this spiritual travel the shaman travels with the guide or the Tree of Life which provides directions to them, since it is easily for the to get lost.
Animist believe that the body has a number of souls and if something happens that separates the soul from the body disease will happen. In order to have a cure, the soul must be found during a Soul-Calling ceremony (is seen in the video below). During the ceremony, Shamans offer live sacrifice of animals to attempt to heal illnesses through offerings of other spirits. The shaman uses an animal soul to support and protect his patient's soul.
This video below is an example of a soul calling ceremony for a traditional Hmong family.
Cultural differences to be aware of:
-Hmong tend to say okay or yes when they actually mean no
-Avoid refusing refreshments at Hmong homes, it is a sign of being offensive
-Raising your voice or speaking forcefully suggest that their is a misunderstanding or that -he or she has been
fired
-Women may not be familiar with shaking hands as a greeting
-Touching of Hmong of opposite sign is considered disrespectful
-Some Hmong are reluctant to ask questions because it shows disrespect and might make others angry
-Looking into ones eyes is a sign of disrespect