Hmong Language and English Language

What are the difference and similarities between the Hmong and English Language?

What are the differences and similarities between the syntax of Hmong and English?

Structurally, Hmong and English are similar. According to Bliatout, Downing, Lewis, and Yang (1988), in both languages, the structure would have a subject, verb, and object. The Hmong language is monosyllabic compared to English which is a polysyllabic language. If a Hmong word has more than one syllable the words are most likely made up of monosyllabic words that can stand alone as independent words. In other words, think of them as compound words. In a Hmong syllable, it must consist of consonants, vowels, and a tone. Similarly, an English syllable must consist of a consonant and a vowel. In the English language, a vowel can stand alone by itself in a syllable. It does not need to be accompanied by a consonant. I recommend going through Thao's (2016) Comparing Syntax between Hmong and English. This presentation does a wonderful job at comparing the syntax between the Hmong and English languages.

Here are some great resources that introduces you to the Hmong consonants, vowels, and tones.

Here are some resources that teach Hmong greeting phrases and numbers.