The language of the Hmong people - professional translations by native translators

The Hmong are an ethnic group that mainly reside in southern China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Immigrants in other countries (primarily the United States and France) sometimes form small, independent congregations as well. Even some early Chinese writings mention a people called “San Miao,” which could be identical to this ethnic group.

The term "Miao" still exists and is used mainly by non-members (especially in China) when referring to a larger group of indigenous tribes, while this specific ethnic group calls itself "Hmong."

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As a result, translations into and from Hmong are in demand. With our vast database of experienced translators, you can rely on expert, high quality translations. Our native-speaking translators know Hmong and will translate your texts with pinpoint accuracy.

The language of the Hmong people

The Hmong language belongs to the Miao-Yao, or Hmong-Mien, language family, and includes a wide variety of dialects so different from each other that intercommunication is impossible. Usually, this language group is categorized into the Sino-Tibetan language family, but others suggest that it belongs to the Austro-Thai languages.

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A number of different writing systems have developed, many in the 20th century, that make the language’s complexity more comprehensible for the reader. A standardized script was never decided upon, however.

Specifically, the Hmong language, which they refer to as "Hmongb" or "Hmaob," is called "Chuanqiandian Miao." As one of the four Hmong languages with its own script, its roots lie in the dialect that used to be spoken in Southwest China.

Within this language, a variety of further dialects exists: Sichuan-Guizhou-Yunnan, Northeast Yunnan, Guìyáng, Huìshu, Máshān, Luóbó Hé, and Zhòngān Jiāng.

Hmongb (the only language of the Miao-Yao family) is spoken even beyond the borders of China. In Thailand and Vietnam, the language’s own script is not used, but rather the Thai or Latin alphabet.

The Hmong language, as well as the culture of the tribe, is branded by variety and diversity, which may complicate trying to get a general look at the people themselves and what they encompass, but makes them that much more fascinating. Language and writing are just two features that make the Hmong stand out from other similar tribes.

The family of Hmongic languages

Included in the Hmong language group along with the Hmongb is the Dut Xongb, the Hmub, and Northwest-Yunnan, which is often referred to as the dialect of the Hmongb. These all use a variety of onsets, codas, and pitches (similar to Chinese), which when even slightly changed can make a large difference in meaning.

With this comes a large array of singular or grouped sounds that may come across as peculiar to an American, especially with regard to what are called “tones.” In the written language, the type of tone (like high falling, low falling, or just high and low) is usually shown by a small letter at the end of a word.

However, the number of tones even differs from dialect to dialect: While there are only six in the Dut Xongb, Hmub has eight different tones.

Our native-speaking translators are familiar with these differences and the cultural background of the Hmong language and translate your texts with care to always strike the suiting chord.

How much does a translation into Hmong Do cost?

The standard rate for translations from English into Hmong Do is $ 0.14 per word, and for translations from Hmong Do into English, the industry rate is $ 0.30. For new customers or large texts (more than 5,000 words), we may significantly reduce our rates. For urgent jobs that need several translators working simultaneously, we'll apply a surcharge. For a full list of rates per language, please visit Order here.

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