The Mong Orthography: Historical Development of the Mong Romanized Popular Alphabet (RPA) System, Implication for Reform, and Future Directions on Research

This article will provide an overview of the historical development of the Mong/Hmong orthography, referred to as the Romanized Popular Alphabet (RPA) system in the 1950s by American missionary linguists and a French Catholic priest, followed by attempts to reform the system in 1961, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1980, 1982, 1992, 2017, and 2025, respectively. It will also discuss the implications for reforming in terms of teaching and learning from K-16 and issues involved that will impact the community domestically and internationally, followed by suggestions for reform and for future directions in Mong research studies, recommendations, and conclusion.

Note: This article will use the spelling, Mong and Hmong, Mong/Hmong or Hmong/Mong for inclusive purposes.