Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine how language contraction, acculturation, and perception of modernity impact medicinal
practices among younger and older generations of Hmong. Focus groups were conducted with newly immigrated and well established
Hmong adults (n = 69) and children (n = 68) in St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN, USA. Dominant themes were language contraction and cultural loss, with subthemes on household
dynamics, the educational system, and Western versus traditional Hmong medicinal practices. As younger generations acculturate
to the United States (US) environment, there is potential for a restructuring of their medical culture resulting in a loss
or silencing of pertinent cultural information regarding traditional medicine and therapies. The information from this study
will be useful for educators, community leaders and health professionals to better understand changes occurring within the
Hmong culture as traditions and cultural practices acculturate to the US environment.
practices among younger and older generations of Hmong. Focus groups were conducted with newly immigrated and well established
Hmong adults (n = 69) and children (n = 68) in St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN, USA. Dominant themes were language contraction and cultural loss, with subthemes on household
dynamics, the educational system, and Western versus traditional Hmong medicinal practices. As younger generations acculturate
to the United States (US) environment, there is potential for a restructuring of their medical culture resulting in a loss
or silencing of pertinent cultural information regarding traditional medicine and therapies. The information from this study
will be useful for educators, community leaders and health professionals to better understand changes occurring within the
Hmong culture as traditions and cultural practices acculturate to the US environment.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9659-6
- Authors
- Lisa Franzen-Castle, Panhandle Research and Extension Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, USA
- Chery Smith, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 225 FScN, 1334 Eckles Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108-6099, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912