article
Hmong myths, legends and folk tales: a resource for cultural understanding
hmong in the west : observations and reports • Minneapolis, Minn. • Published In 1982 • Pages: 86-98
By: Johnson, Charles R..
Abstract
This source presents a discussion of the basic elements of traditional Hmong myths, legends, and folk tales, but not the actual stories themselves. The purpose of the author in transcribing this oral literature into written form (Hmong or French) and then into English was to: (1) provide appropriate reading material to help Hmong refugees learn English; (2) demonstrate respect for the '…Hmong elders who know the oral literature and how to tell the stories, and who often have all too little place in the new life in this new land' (p. 87); and (3) provide a source of cultural information on the Hmong to Americans. Johnson believes that Hmong oral literature, if it is interpreted cautiously and used in conjunction with serious ethnographic accounts and in consultation with informants, can be a valuable resource for cultural understanding and interpretations (p. 96).
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- North America
- Sub Region
- Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Types
- Educator
- Teacher
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle ; 1991
- Field Date
- 1976-1981
- Coverage Date
- not specified
- Coverage Place
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
- Notes
- [by] Charles R. Johnson
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 97-98)
- LCSH
- Hmong Americans