HmongMien

Hmong–Mien (also Miao–Yao) is a language family of East and Southeast Asia. It comprises two primary branches: Hmongic (Miao) and Mienic (Yao). The languages are spoken by various ethnic communities in southern China (including Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan, Hunan, and Sichuan) and across Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, with sizable diaspora communities in the United States, France, Australia, and Canada. The family is distinct from Sino-Tibetan and is one of the largest non–Sino-Tibetan language groups in the region.

Linguistic characteristics: The Hmong–Mien languages are tonal and predominantly analytic, with limited inflection. They feature diverse consonant and vowel inventories and several tone systems that distinguish meanings. The internal classification within the family is widely accepted, but deeper connections to other language families remain a topic of scholarly debate.

Writing and literacy: A variety of scripts have been developed for Hmong and Mien languages. Widely used are the Romanized Popular Alphabet for Hmong varieties and the Pahawh Hmong script, created in the 20th century. The Pollard script has been used for some Mien languages. Literacy practices and orthography vary widely among communities and countries.

Subgroups: Hmongic languages include Hmong and related dialects, while Mienic languages encompass Iu Mien, Kim Mun, and other Mien varieties. The Hmong–Mien peoples include Hmong and Yao communities, each with distinct cultural traditions and social organizations.