Muong

The Muong are an ethnic group in Vietnam, belonging to the Vietic branch of the Austroasiatic language family. They inhabit the northern and central highland regions, with large communities in Hoa Binh Province and smaller populations across Thanh Hoa, Son La, Ninh Binh, and surrounding areas. They are one of the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Language and identity: The Muong language is closely related to Vietnamese and forms part of the Vietic subgroup. It has multiple dialects and is often written with the Vietnamese script for practical use, while many Muong are bilingual in Vietnamese.

Culture and livelihoods: Traditionally, Muong communities are centered on agriculture, especially wet rice farming in upland valleys. Other crops include maize and cassava. Social life emphasizes extended kinship networks, village organization, and customary rituals linked to the agricultural calendar. Traditional houses are typically stilt dwellings with local building styles adapted to the mountainous environment.

Religion and belief: Muong religious life historically combines ancestor worship and animism, with various influences from Buddhism and Taoism in some areas. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Christian missions led to the establishment of Catholic and Protestant communities among segments of the population.

Contemporary life: In modern Vietnam, Muong people participate in national education and governance while preserving language and cultural practices. Economic activities have diversified beyond farming to include crafts, forestry, and some involvement in tourism. The Muong continue to adapt to changing social and economic conditions while maintaining distinct linguistic and cultural traditions within the Vietnamese state.