The Miao languages are a group of languages spoken primarily by the Miao people in southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. They belong to the larger Hmong-Mien language family and are characterized by their tonal nature, meaning that the pitch of a word can change its meaning. There are several distinct languages within this group, including Hmong and Mien, each with its own dialects. Miao languages are primarily oral, though some have developed writing systems using the Latin alphabet or Chinese characters. These languages play a crucial role in the cultural identity of the Miao people, reflecting their traditions, history, and social practices.