Cultural & Linguistic DiversityLearning Support : Minnesota Department of Education

Cultural & Linguistic Diversity

English-Hmong Dictionary of Special Education


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English-Hmong Dictionary of Special Education

English-Hmong Special Education Glossary

Introduction

Written translation or oral interpretation of special education materials into the Hmong language can be frustrating for everyone involved in the process. For many Hmong families, it is difficult to understand special education terminology. Hmong interpreters who work in schools are often asked to translate special education materials, but they may not be familiar with the meaning of the terms or know the best way to translate them. Many English terms have no counterpart in Hmong. English-speaking special education staff may feel uncomfortable because they do not know whether the interpretation is accurate or whether the families really understand the information.

In 1999, the staff from the Minnesota Department of Education worked with a group of Hmong experts to create a glossary of special education terminology. This glossary is not intended for general use and does not include general educational terms. Terms are translated according to their meaning in special education. In 2002-03, a new team of Hmong interpreters led by Mr. Dao Xiong from the PACER Center reviewed and updated the glossary. The following people participated in this process:

♦ Minneapolis Public Schools: Tou Lee and Pao Yang

♦ Rochester Public Schools: Mya Barghouthi

♦ St. Paul Public Schools: Pachong Yang, May Blia Thao, Nyia Xiong, Phen Moua, Ger Van, Ple Moua Lee, Mai Melanie Xiong

Note on Translation and Use of Technical Terms and Use

In many cases, there is no exact translation for English terms in the Hmong language. For some of these words, the translation team was able to select a Hmong word or phrase that conveys the intended meaning of the English term. In many cases, the translations are quite long and may consist of a translation of the definition. For example, here is the entry for the term “autism spectrum disorders:”

Because there is no single word that means “autism,” the Hmong entry includes an explanation of the term as well as examples of autistic behavior. It is clearly impractical to repeat this entire explanation whenever the term “autism spectrum disorders” is used in conversation. Interpreters and translators are therefore recommended to do the following:

♦ For oral interpretation during meetings, use the full translation at least once to explain the meaning of the term. After the meaning has been established, use the English term for subsequent references.

♦ When translating written documents, use the full Hmong translation at least once and then use the English term to refer to the student’s condition.

If you have questions, suggestions or additions that will help us to improve the glossary, please direct them to:

Mr. Dao Xiong Ms. Elizabeth Watkins

Parent Advocate ELL/Minority Issues Specialist

PACER Center Special Education Policy Unit, MN Dept. of Education

1-800-537-2237 651-582-8678 voice, 651-582-8729 fax

dxiong@pacer.org Elizabeth.watkins@state.mn.us