Cross-border Miao (hmong People) Study

The study of transnational ethnic groups (ethnic groups across national boundaries) is a new field in anthropology, and also an interdisciplinary subject bordering on anthropology and politics, which has attracted more and more attention from both academic researches and political practices, in particular, since 1980s in China. The growing number of publication on this subject is a forceful demonstration. However, according to my observation, most of these publications still remain at the stage of summarization; very few goes further to the in-depth and detailed study on a certain ethnic group across national boundaries, or on a certain special topic. Moreover, theorization is especially lacked hi drawing conclusions from the specific and in-field researches.A distinct feature of transnational ethnic groups is its geographical distribution of "one ethnic group, in multi-country". In light of this, the study of it has great theoretical and practical significances. In theory, it provides us with a new perspective to look at the relationship between ethnic groups and nations; in practice, it is important in keeping peace on borderlands, maintaining stability and development inside the country, promoting friendly relationship between neighboring countries, improving trade and economic communication across nations and cracking down on international crimes, and so on.Basing on the fieldwork in the border areas of China with Southeast Asia, this dissertation focuses on Hmong, a subgroup of Miao people, as the subject of my research. I have made a comprehensive description on the distribution of these people in the cross-border countries among China and the countries of mainland Southeast Asia, and at the same time I have done deep researches on typical cases and special topics. On the basis of that, I discuss issues relevant to ethnic groups across national boundaries with a view to providing a unique and beneficial perspective to the relations between ethnic groups and nations.My dissertation consists of 7 chapters:Chapter one is an introduction, which discusses the basic terminology, theories, methodology, fieldwork, academic values of this dissertation, and the current studies situation of this subject at home and abroad.Chapter Two discusses the specific theories of ethnic groups across national boundaries.Chapter Three talks about the basic cultural characteristics of Hmong and as a subgroup, its relationship with the group of Miao.Chapter Four, by analyzing specific cases from history, probes the role in political practices in China and also on the world stage of colonialism and anti-colonial struggle, played by Hmong inhabiting across the borders between China and Vietnam.Chapter Five describes the geographical, social backgrounds, such as the population, the distribution, the immigration, the emigration, the history, and the culture of the people of Hmong in Southeast Asia countries, such as Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Burma.Chapter Six explores the important yet basic issues of ethnonym, subgroups, clans and writing system.Chapter Seven draws a conclusion from the above investigations.The contribution of my research lies in two aspects:1. It provides a comprehensive and systematic study of the Hmong people across national boundaries, for instance, their historical origins, political involvement, some issues concerning cross-bordering characteristics in the crossed countries. And it corrects the misunderstanding and misconceptions in the past publications.2. It endeavors to explore the interactivities between national boundaries and ethnic boundaries and the relationship between ethnicities and nations through the case study of Hmong people. Preliminary as it is, it forecasts a new theoretical perspective and lays the foundation for further analysis and research.