I was born in the USA and really don't know how to properly begin conversations or even speak properly to the elder Hmongs. I am going to meet my gf's parents soon and I would like to at learn how to start a conversation with her parents in Hmong. Now I do know how to speak it little, but i am not very fluent and sometimes get stuck on words and end up using English instead. Can some of the more knowledgeable people share their experience and write some hmong questions I can ask! Im serious! lols... I need help!

Here are some questions...

1) How do you properly address your gf's parents? what to call them? Can you write the words in hmong and translate.. for example... niam ---> mother..
2) For traditional Hmong families, I know when you enter their homes, you are suppose to ask if they "Chai" or not. I don't know how to properly spell the correct term for it but it sounds like Jhai.
3) Typical questions to start a conversations with your gf's parents? strangers? Just all proper courtesy questions as well. Please also write it in hmong and translate. I can probably make out the words. Learned from the net!

Thanks ya!

Well,i can give you a bit. first you would call their names first as in "phaov"(aunt) or "txiv ntxauv"(uncle). then you would ask questions and make conversation. talking hmong isnt so hard and it is actually cool. and since they are related to you then you shouldn't be so shy too. if i were you i would just talk to them like i know them for a long time already. everything is the same as in english but then just in hmong. the manners would be kept the same in hmong.
Also when they or anyone come to your house then just simply say "nev tuas los?" its like saying hello or saying welcome, well you get what im saying. Or you could say something as in "nyob zoo". which means hello.

hahahahaha i think that i spelled some of the hmong words wrong but its been a while since i have written hmong and its the best i could give you so yeah there you have it.


so good luck!!!

Remember to keep a BIG SMILE.

Are you Hmong or Miskas?!?!

Cuz it's easier if ur Hmong ahah.