The word: religion and literacy in the life of a Hmong American
Author(s):
Hones, Donald F.
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Religious Education, Volume 96, Issue 4 (2001). pp. 489-509.
Language:
English
Abstract:
This narrative study involving an adult Hmong refugee, his family, and his community provides an example of the often intimate connection between religion, language, and culture. The extension of the 'Word of God' often has been facilitated by the extension of literacy. Before the rise of national school systems, the church was a primary site for literacy education, especially where Protestantism held sway. In the case of the Hmong, Protestant missionaries in the last century have gained many converts through the popularity of their Hmong language bibles (Tapp 1989a). Salvation Church provides one of the few opportunities for Hmong youth in Windigo, Michigan to practice literacy in what for many is their first language. This research documents ways in which conversion to Christianity brought changes to Hmong clan and family relationships, as traditionalists became divided from practitioners of the 'new religion (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)