Learning Hmong through Language Nesting & Domains

One of the most successful strategies for Indigenous language revitalization is language nesting. Language nesting is setting boundaries for a physical location that requires the target language to be used. Historically, language nests have been schools where children are nested in the language. That is, they’re required to use the language while they’re at the school. 

Another type of language nest is a physical location in the home where the target language is required to be spoken. For this to be useful, language learners will start with one small domain of language use and practice the language in that domain until they’ve mastered it. Then they’ll move on to another domain. 

This strategy starts out with first-person narration. This doesn’t require you to talk to other people (yet). Instead, in each domain, you practice the vocabulary and phrases on your own–either in your head or out loud–first. Then, as you become more comfortable with the language, you transition into conversation with others.  

If you’re doing a physical domain, print this No English sign out and tape it on the wall somewhere in your domain. This will serve as a reminder that you have to use Hmong when you’re in that space. 

Domains

Below are domains of language use that Pa is either covering or has already covered on the @hmonglanguagemovement Instagram page. Click on the domain you wish to start with to download the lesson plan and vocabulary associated with it.

Print out the sheet for the domain that you’re currently doing and tape it to the wall or to something in the space where you’re going to practice. Each time you’re in that space, narrate the actions you are doing. Use the sheet to help you.