Adaptive Language Strategies of the Hmong: From Asian Mountains to American Ghettos
Author(s):
Smalley, William A.
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Language Sciences, Volume 7, Issue 2 (1985-10). pp. 241-269.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Some sociolinguistic phenomena can be best studied longitudinally & analytically, over a span of time, as "ethnohistoriography of communication." In some cases, access to data can only be through the memories of people who lived through the time, as soft as such data may be. An attempt is made to describe adaptive language strategies of the Hmong people over several generations in Laos, & through several years as refugees in the US, relating them to an etic taxonomy of strategies. Some of the strategies described are predictably the same in Laos & America, & some different. The learning of Lao was undertaken by most Hmong men in Laos entirely as a product of social interaction; for most it was learned exclusively orally, & through use. Learning English in the US is seen as an academic exercise; people who cannot read & write any language typically learn little Eng. The use of books & pens is often considered essential to the learning of Eng. 1 Figure, 43 References. HA