Hmong Heritage Language Maintenance and the Construction and Maintenance of Hmong Ethnic Identity
Author(s):
Moua, Nalee
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Washington State University, 2018.
Pages:
98
Language:
English
Abstract:
With the number of non-native English speaking communities in the United States increasing, many concerns arise as these families adapt to the host country. Do refugee and immigrant communities continue to maintain their heritage (native) language and ethnic identity while acculturating to the mainstream society; or, do they adopt English, the unofficial language of the United States, and assimilate? The first manuscript focuses on the factors and/or motivations that contribute to the Hmong heritage language and maintenance among four 1.5 generation and eight 2nd generation Hmong-Americans. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, five major themes were found: (1) geographical and regional factors, (2) integration and convenience of English, (3) construction and maintenance of ethnic identity, (4) translation and interpretation, and (5) heritage language as a tool of communication. The second manuscript focuses on the construction and maintenance of Hmong ethnic identity through the Hmong heritage language. Using an adaptation of Irving Seidman’s (1991) The Three Interview Series approach, one semi-structured interview and one informal interview, lasting between 60-90 minutes, were conducted with five 1.5 generation Hmong-Americans and eight 2nd generation Hmong-Americans. Through thematic analysis, two major overarching themes were found, with several sub-themes: (1) heritage language and ethnic identity, (1a) family influence, (1b) peer and personal influence, (1c) connections to the homeland and, (2) heritage language and cultural identity, and (2a) language: the heart of culture and reinforcement to ethnic identity.