The Mien language is a member of the Hmong-Mien language family, primarily spoken by the Yao people in southern China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. It has several dialects, with the most widely spoken being Iu Mien and Kha Mien. The language is tonal, meaning that the pitch used when pronouncing words can change their meanings. Mien is written using the Latin alphabet, and its speakers often use it in daily communication, cultural practices, and traditional storytelling. The language plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of the Yao community, as it carries their history, beliefs, and customs.