Hmong Language Resources

Written Resources

Jasperson, Therese Moua. Paj Lug: Phau II (Merced: Merced School District, 2004).

• A book full of Hmong proverbs, this resource teaches relevant cultural context through traditional Hmong wisdom. Additionally, the form of the proverbs often uses descriptive language, which can help boost vocabulary beyond what you might hear in everyday conversation.

Koom Haum Hav Zoov Hav Tsuag Hmoob, Koom Haum Hmoob Zos Khoomvav, MisVav, Tseem Maim, Koom Haum Hmoob Zos Misxamtshiab, Mis Leeb, Tseem Maim, & Koom Haum IMPECT, Phau Ntawv Txuj Txoog Hmoob (Thailand, 1998).

• As the title suggest, this is a textbook of standardized Hmong language learning. Created in Thailand, it does offer a different perspective than some Western textbooks, and is written entirely in Hmong. Overall, this is an excellent intermediate/advanced resource!

Lee, Choua. Phau Ntawv Kawm Ntawv Hmoob Xyoo 2: White Hmong Literacy Intermediate Level (Madison: University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2013).

• A textbook for English speakers working to learn Hmong, this is an intermediate level resource full of vocabulary, dialogue, and cultural lessons. In particular, this book helps students who are struggling with vocabulary and pronunciation, as it’s list of practice exercises and consonant-specific word lists are difficult to find elsewhere.

Ly, Chô. “Explanation of the Logic of Hmong RPA” in Hmong Studies Journal, 21 (2020): 1-15.

• Written in English, this is a linguist’s language learning resource. In focusing on the written RPA aspect of the Hmong language, this article helps resolve certain contradictions and explains the overarching rules of the writing system. For advanced speakers struggling to take their writing to the next level, this might help take you to the next level.

Vang, Lue and Judy Lewis. White Hmong Primer: Learn to Read Hmong (Southeast Asia Community Resource Center, 1999).

• A resource for beginners, this is an elementary primer that helps prepare the reader to actually read in Hmong. Although it is generally more suited for those who already speak the language (but are trying to become literate), it also has a variety of helpful lessons for those starting from scratch.

Vang, Patrick Txhim. Discovering the Hmong Language: Teaching and Learning the Hmong Language, Culture, and History (San Jose, 2006).

• This is a meta-text, useful for language instructors and self-instructed learners alike. In particular, this source is helpful for the way that it blends all elements of language learning together into a single manual. This is most suitable for beginning and intermediate learners.

Vang-Moua, Bee. YuamSij Qhib Lus: Success in Hmong for Accelerated Learners (Minneapolis: Key Series, 2011).

• A textbook created for English speakers learning Hmong, this is a complete resource covering most of the beginning and intermediate levels. Divided into units based on thematic focus (music, travel, food, etc.), its more traditional format will be comforting for students who miss traditional classroom instruction. With that being said, this textbook includes a variety of exercises that are perfect for self-instructed learning.

Xiong, Yuepheng L. English-Hmong/Hmong-English Dictionary, Third Edition (St. Paul: Hmongland Publishing, 2011).

• An updated and accurate Hmong-English dictionary. Online Hmong dictionaries are notoriously unreliable, so this is a necessary resource for any Hmong language learner.

Yaj, Kawm. Hmoob Huam Vam: Tsiv Teb Tsaws Chaws (Hmoob Puav Pheej, 2009).

Yaj, Kawm. Hmoob Puav Pheej: Kev Cai Thiab Dab Qhuas (Hmoob Puav Pheej, 2008).

• The two resources above are cultural resources written in Hmong, covering all aspects of Hmong history and culture. While the level is somewhat advanced (intermediate mid/high, at a minimum), their expansive nature makes them an invaluable addition for any student. Moreover, these books are organized into short, manageable sections, perfect for consistent daily study.