Pastor Xaiv Suav explains how the pronunciation of Hmong and Mong are similar to the pronunciation of knot and not. He also relates Mong Der and Mong Leng to being the left and right arms of one body, etc.
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I believe MEC stands on solid ground regarding its struggle for Mong dialectical equality. Its recent existence comes not to express short term anger toward the St Paul rocks establishment, but to start a conversation in order to reach a long-term strategic goal toward a unified purpose between all multi-Mong speaking dialects across the globe. How to form long lasting friendships, and get along well with your family members, relatives, friends, neighbors, and enemies is your ultimate goal.
To begin with, let me ask each of you a question which may or may not relate to today’s topic, yet it does carry a significant weight for the issue at hand. Do you see Mong people as separate groups with different ancestors, or do you agree that all Mong emerged from the same stock, one Mong man and one Mong woman from the beginning of time?
Does it really matter which Mong dialect you read, write and speak?
Friends and foes, with all due respect, it does not matter which Mong dialect you spell the word Moob/Hmoob. For those who can read Mong, how many of you can only read Hmoob, and not Moob? For those who can write Mong, how many of you can only write Moob and not Hmoob? For those of you who have grown up in the Mong community, how many of you know that only you, Mong Der/Leng exist in the world? On the contrary, and let’s be honest, for those who have never seen the word Mong/Hmong (Moob/Hmoob), and this is your first time learning that there is such a people called Mong, and you are asked to spell, read or write the word “Mong,” which word, “Mong or Hmong, Moob/Hmoob,” would it naturally come easier for you to read, write, or even pronounce straight forward? If you are not brain dead, I bet the majority of you, the strangers, would pick Mong over Hmong or Moob over Hmoob as your choice.
For those who already know how to read Mong writing, you will know that these two spelling Moob/Hmoob are just two different ways of dialectical expression put into writing; it represents two unique dialects, Leng and Der having the same meaning and referring to the same people. Different spelling of the word “Mong” as either Hmoob/Moob does not alter its meaning, similarly like American and British spelling of the word “theater or theatre, or center and centre,” which still has the same meaning. Mong Der/Leng dialects are not much different than the British/American, northern and southern tones. Why create an issue out of a matter that is moot?
I understand both Der/Leng dialects 100%, and I can interchange my communication from one dialect to another at any time without a problem. Which of you only understand Der and not Leng dialect? Which of you only hear Leng and not Der dialect? There are more Mong dialects than just Der and Leng, in Vietnam, China, and Burma, and if only Der/Leng dialects sounds good to you, you are not a Mong, Mong are bigger than what you think, and you better go learn more Mong dialects until you get Mong as a whole people.
MEC, your job is heavy, but you will stand because you are doing the right thing and moving along with the season of common purpose. You not only speak for the interest of Mong Der/Leng here in America, but also for Mong worldwide. You are against anyone, without regard to their dialectical identity, who tries to create frictions against the sanctity of the Mong people. That is your job! There are Mong Txhaij, Mong Dlub, Mong Lab, Mong Ntshuab and many other Mong around the world that you are speaking for. This is a good fight, and the fight must continue! There is nothing wrong when one is a Der by birth but chooses to speak in a Leng dialect or vice versa because it is done voluntarily, giving up his/her mother tongue without duress. But it is inherently wrong and detrimental, against the law of nature, when there is an intent to eliminate someone else’s existence because they are not your kind. Whoever alienated one Mong, that individual has separated all Mong, and this is not going to happen, not under your watch.
I believe that with your struggle, and a determination to move forward, you will be able to overcome all difficulties now and, in the days, ahead. I dream that one day, there will be one Mong writing system that can accommodate all Mong dialects across the world. But until that day comes, let me tell you that I am with you. Your fight keeps Mong hope alive. Together, let us today recognize that whatever Mong dialect you speak, write and read, and wherever you may live, in Asia, America, or Europe, you are equal under the law, your dialect and way of speaking are as powerful to you as mine is equally important to me, and without any reservation, you are protected under the Mong umbrella indefinitely.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment. Have a great day!
The Three Blackbears