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Which languages belong to the Hmongic branch of Hmong-Mien?

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Distribution of Hmong-Mien language family in China and Southeast Asia.
Hmong-Mien languages Distribution of Hmong-Mien language family in China and Southeast Asia.

The Hmong-Mien language family is divided into two primary branches: the Hmongic (also known as Miao) and the Mienic (also known as Yao) subfamilies.1

The Hmongic branch is characterized by its internal diversity and includes several mutually unintelligible languages, such as:

  • Hmu: Spoken in Guizhou and Guangxi.1
  • Hmong: Spoken in Guizhou and Yunnan, as well as in Southeast Asia.1
  • Qo Xiong: Spoken in Hunan.1
  • Bunu: Spoken in Guangxi.1
  • Ho Ne (also known as She): Spoken in Guangdong.1

While these languages are grouped together under the Hmongic branch, it is important to note that linguistic classifications are distinct from ethnic designations; for instance, some speakers of the Hmongic language Bunu are classified within the Yao nationality in China, while some speakers of Mienic languages are classified as Miao.1