ISOSU: Hmong culture: a deeper look

By: Kimberly Moua

Posted: 1/15/08

Have you ever been mistaken for someone you're not? Growing up as kid, if you were Hmong, you were always questioned on your race.

"Are you Chinese? Are you from Mongolia since you're 'Hmong?'"

"No, I'm not Chinese - I'm Hmong," is a repeated answer all Hmong people reply.

Answering that you were Hmong always led to the conversation of where Hmong people come from. The fact is, Hmong people don't have a country. Hmong people don't have any written documents of their history. The only written documents of Hmong people are found in the history books from the countries of China, Korea and Vietnam.

From all the history books and even to this day, you can find Hmong people in the mountains of Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, among other countries. Hmong people are scattered all over the world, but the hugest populations are in the U.S., Canada, France, Australia, Laos, Thailand and even Africa.

Today, the highest populations of Hmong people in the U.S. are located in California and Minnesota. There are over 2,100 Hmong people living in Oregon, and 54 of them go to OSU.

The main differences between Hmong people and the many other Asian races are the differences in their clothing and their language. There is one main language for Hmong people with two different dialects. The two different dialects are called the "white" Hmong and the "green" Hmong. The difference is the same as if a person from the South was to talk to a person from the North. Though the dialects are completely different, a Hmong person can understand both.

Within the Hmong community, a person's last name is the main difference that distinguishes them from one clan to another.

The most popular last name for Hmong people is Vang, while other Hmong names are Vue, Moua, Xiong, Lee, Yang, Khue, Lor, Her, Cha and so on. There are primarily 10 main Hmong last names, with the exceptions of names such as Cha being turned in to Chang and Her being equivalent to Hang.

On campus, we have a variety of last names represented. We have primarily Vangs, Mouas, Hers, Xiongs and Chas. The Hmong population at OSU is growing every year, and at the rate it's growing, there will soon be a huge number attending OSU.

Our Hmong student organization on campus called "HMONG OSU" started seven years ago from five Hmong alumni who felt the need for a Hmong student organization group on campus. At the time, there were only eight Hmong students at OSU, and after seven years, the number has jumped up dramatically to more than 50 Hmong students, mainly from the Portland/Hillsboro area.

Our Hmong student organization's purpose is to increase awareness of the Hmong culture at OSU and the surrounding communities. We strive to provide support services to members of HMONG OSU, which include (but are not limited to) social, educational and emotional support, and development of leadership, communication and social skills.

We also aim to provide support and services to the OSU community by educating them about Hmong issues and concerns related to diversity and awareness. By hosting political, social, and educational activities and events on campus, HMONG OSU exists to advocate equality and understanding for all students and community members.

HMONG OSU is a well-known cultural club on campus that hosts an annual Hmong Night in addition to participating in countless numbers of school activities held on campus. The student organization is an active affiliate of the International Students of Oregon State University, the Asian Pacific American Council and also the Asian Pacific America Student Union.

HMONG OSU has two advisors and is run by seven student officers. HMONG OSU holds bi-weekly meetings. Decision-making, socializing, fundraising, brainstorming, compromising and group discussions are all a part of the general meetings. HMONG OSU is open to anyone and is always looking for more members and friends. For more information you can visit www.oregonstate.edu/groups/hmong.

Kimberly Moua is a senior in human development and family science and is a member of HMONG OSU, affiliate of ISOSU. The opinions expressed in ISOSU's columns, which appear every Tuesday, do not necessarily represent those of the Daily Barometer staff. Moua can be reached at forum@dailybarometer.com.