mien

Mien is an ethnolinguistic category used for a group of peoples in Southeast Asia, commonly identified in various national contexts as Mien, Miao, or Yao. In China, the Mien-Yao are among the officially recognized ethnic minorities and are often incorporated under the broader Yao designation; in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand they are typically called Mien or Yao. Historically large populations live in the border areas of Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hunan in China, with further communities in northern Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, as well as diaspora communities in North America, Europe, and Australasia.

The Mien languages form the Mienic subgroup of the Hmong-Mien language family. They are diverse and not mutually intelligible with Hmong, though some linguistic features are shared across groups. Traditionally, the Mien language has been transmitted orally, and there are multiple regional dialects. Writing systems used for Mien languages have included the Pollard script, developed in the early 20th century for several Miao-Mien languages, as well as modern Latin-based orthographies adapted to the national contexts of the countries where they live.

Culturally, traditional Mien society emphasizes agriculture, particularly rice farming, and crafts such as weaving and embroidery. Clothing often features distinctive textiles and decorative motifs tied to regional subgroups. Social practices include ancestor veneration and community ceremonies, with variations in ritual and music across subgroups. Religious influences in different areas range from Buddhism and Daoist practices to traditional folk beliefs; in many diaspora communities, Christianity has also made an impact.

Historically, movements within China and broader regional conflicts contributed to Mien migrations and the formation of communities across Southeast Asia and beyond. Today Mien communities maintain language and cultural traditions while participating in the broader social and economic landscapes of their resident countries.