
The Mong Oral Tradition: Cultural Memory in the Absence of Written Language (Paperback)
Yer J. Thao (author)
£41.95
Paperback
210 Pages /
Published: 30/11/2006
- Temporarily unavailable
Email me when available
Stay one step ahead and let us notify you when this item is next available to order
Email me when available
Enter your email below and we will notify you when this item is next available to order.

The Mong Oral Tradition: Cultural Memory in the Absence of Written Language (Paperback)
£41.95
Thank you
We will contact you when this item is next available to order.
In 1975, after years of struggle, Communists seized control of the government of Laos. Members of the Mong culture who had helped the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency in their quest to halt the spread of Communism were forced to move to America as political refugees. The Mong, with their strong culture of oral traditions and beliefs, were plunged into a multicultural society where the written word was prevalent. As a result, their oral customs are now being slowly eroded and replaced with a written tradition. Desperate to hold on to their cultural identity and continue the traditions of their ancestors, the Mong still struggle with the dilemma this change in literary perception has caused. Compiled from numerous interviews, this volume explores the lives of 13 Mong elders. With emphasis on their unique oral tradition and cultural practices, the book discusses Mong rituals, tribal customs, religious beliefs and educational experiences. The main focus of the work, however, is the lifestyle the elders maintained while living in the mountains of Laos. In their own words, they describe their childhood, communities, religious rituals and cultural traditions as well as the ongoing struggle of adjustment to their new homeland. The work also delves into the Mong perceptions of industrialization and the generational conflict that immersion into a literate society has caused. The author himself is a member of the Mong culture and brings a personal perspective to preserving the oral traditions of this unique ethnicity. The work is also indexed.
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc
ISBN: 9780786427499
Number of pages: 210
Weight: 308 g
Dimensions: 229 x 155 x 12 mm
You may also be interested in...
Please sign in to write a review
Sign In / Register
Not registered? CREATE AN ACCOUNTCREATE A plus ACCOUNT
Sign In
Download the Waterstones App
Would you like to proceed to the App store to download the Waterstones App?
Click & Collect
Reserve online, pay on collection
Alternatively, for multiple items you may find it easier to add to basket, then pay online and collect in as little as 2 hours, subject to availability.
Alternatively, for multiple items you may find it easier to add to basket, then pay online and collect in as little as 2 hours, subject to availability.
Thank you for your reservation
Your order is now being processed and we have sent a confirmation email to you at
When will my order be ready to collect?
Following the initial email, you will be contacted by the shop to confirm that your item is available for collection.
Call us on or send us an email at
Unfortunately there has been a problem with your order
Please try again or alternatively you can contact your chosen shop on or send us an email at