Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Language Survival and Cultural Preservation: A Comparative Analysis of Hmong and Miao Communities

Danyou TangWaterford School*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

The rapid spread of globalization poses a growing threat to the survival of minority languages, which serve not only as tools for communication but as vessels of cultural identity, oral history, and collective memory. This study focuses on the Hmong and Miao—two ethnically and linguistically related groups originating from Asia—to examine how language and culture are being preserved across two divergent contexts: the Hmong diaspora in the United States and the Miao population in China. Using data from sixty interviews, this research conducted a comparative analysis of language proficiency, cultural practices, and community efforts in both groups. Results reveal a common trend of language attrition among younger generations, driven by the dominance of national languages—English and Mandarin—in education, media, and public life. Nonetheless, many cultural traditions such as festivals, clothing, and cuisine remain resilient and widely practiced. Both communities have initiated preservation efforts through language programs, community events, and digital outreach, although access to resources is uneven, especially in rural Miao regions. The study highlights how socio political environments, generational attitudes, and access to education shape the trajectory of language and cultural maintenance. It also identifies promising strategies for revitalization, such as stronger institutional support and increased cultural visibility through social media. By comparing two groups with shared origins but differing experiences of migration and assimilation, this research offers valuable insights into the broader challenges and possibilities of preserving minority identities in an increasingly globalized world.

Keywords: Hmong; Miao; Language Preservation; Culture Preservation
Published: June 13, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.BO23810
Volume: CHR Vol.67
pp. 141-152
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