Hmong refugees: Implicating factors for adult education in cultural assimilation in American society
Author(s):
Hammond, Gregg Kunkle
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Kansas State University, 1993.
Pages:
161
Language:
English
Abstract:
Hmong refugees face extreme challenges in the assimilation process into American culture. Six major clan leaders out of fourteen Colorado clans representing 1,038 of the total 2,400 Hmong in Colorado were interviewed, along with five Hmong clan members designated by clan leaders as successfully assimilated in America and eleven clan members designated by the Colorado Refugee Service as having difficulty assimilating. Audio tapes were transcribed as part of the studies and were written on each clan leader and designated clan members. The qualitative approach used personal observations, notes of the researcher and observations by the interpreter. Specific objectives of the study were to determine what adult education programs clan members have participated in while in America, and to determine how appropriate and helpful the adult education process was in assisting with assimilation, English proficiency, occupational skills, and understanding of American culture. This study found that first-wave and older adult Hmong who live in Colorado struggle with such issues as understanding American social traditions, women's roles, finding jobs, English proficiency, and finding available child care and transportation to allow for educational participation. The study showed there is a need for ESL training to be made available for Hmong who must work hours which are not compatible with the ESL scheduled class offerings. The ESL instructors need to be more progressive, insightful, and better trained in their approach to teaching Hmong students. The study also showed there is much frustration among the Hmong who were identified by the Colorado Refugee Service as unsuccessful with the assimilation process and with utilizing adult education programs. Strong need exists to learn strategies for finding jobs, for investing money, for cultural understanding, and for accessing American economic systems, especially for this group through adult education. The Hmong of the second generation in Colorado who have received the majority of their education in America, and who were identified as being successfully assimilated by their clan leaders, seem more comfortable with American lifestyle, culture, and assimilation; yet they felt better adult education programs should be developed to enhance the Hmong's chances for easier blending into American society. It appears that the Hmong in Colorado want to assimilate into American culture and believe that adult education is essential to this process, but they find the process very frustrating and limited due to the marginal adult educational programs now in place in Colorado. This study reveals a desperate need for humanistic adult education provided by qualified teachers who can deliver adult learning following tried and proven methods.