Overview of Peb Hmoob

1
Overview of Peb Hmoob
Presented by Ah Her
2
Hmong Origination Theories

• China migration in the 19th century into
  Southeast Asian Countries.
• Laos
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Burma

3
History through Tapestry

• Many embroidered pieces depicts the migration and
  life of the Hmong
• No official written language except through arts
  such as tapestry

4
Hmong in America

• California population
• California - 65,095 (2000) 39 increase from 1990
• Minnesota population
• Minnesota - 41,800 (2000) 148 increase from 1990
  
• Wisconsin population
• Wisconsin - 33,791 (2000) 106 increase from 1990

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• 18 Hmong Clan council in MN
• Conception of the 18 clan council, initiated by
  Steve Cohen
• How many clans are there?
• Cha / Chang, Cheng, Chue
• Fang
• Her / Heu, Hang
• Khang, Kong, Kue
• Lee / Ly, Lo / Lor
• Moua
• Pha
• Thao
• Vang, Vue / Vu
• Xiong
• Yang

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General Behaviors of Hmong

• High family values and tradition
• Friendly, hospitable
• Respectful
• Valued friendships
• Community ties

7
Identities by Name

• Majority of Hmong women do not take their
  spouses surname.
• This however is changing with the new generation
  in America.
• After marriage, Hmong women are typically not
  referred to by their first name.
• They generally are referenced as the wife of
  their husbands name or daughter in law of such
  and such in-laws.
• This sometimes causes confusion when verifying
  household composition from other sources of the
  family.

8
Greeting Gestures

• Typically Hmong women do not shake hands with
  members of the opposite gender
• Tendency to nod, indirect eye contact
• Entering of homes, one should remove shoes even
  when gestured not to
• Show proper identification upon greeting

9
Interactions with Hmong

• Different interactions between a two parent
  household and single parent (male/female)
• Traditional Hmong families vs. modernized
  families
• Appearance
• Tone of voice
• Communication
• Confirmation of understanding

10
Hmong Minnesotans

• Community
• Many small businesses
• Year round market/mall
• Hmong media in television, radio, newspaper and
  magazine
• Opportunities
• Employment, self employment
• Home ownership
• education
• Family support system
• Mostly concentrated in St. Paul and Minneapolis

11
Use of Interpreters

• Cultural competency a must
• Qualified and professional
• Facilitates the conversation only
• Ensures the message is accurate and complete
• Confidentiality

12
Resources

• www.hmongcenter.org
• http//www.geocities.com/kaoly_y/KaolyYangHome.htm
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• http//www.garyyialee.com/
• http//www.hmongnet.org/publications/hmf-intro.htm
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