Origins & Early Life

Shong Lue Yang (RPA: Yaj Soob Lwj [jâ ʃɔ́ŋ lɨ̂], Pahawh: 𖬌𖬤𖬵 𖬘𖬲𖬞 𖬖𖬲𖬤; 15 September 1929 – February 1971) was a Hmong spiritual leader and creator of the Pahawh script, a semi-syllabary for writing dialects of the Hmong language, as well as the Khmu language. Coming under suspicion by opposing forces, he was assassinated in February 1971, during the Laotian Civil War. It was also rumored that Nao Tong Yang, his brother-in-law, who had killed many people, gave the order to kill Shong Lue Yang due to fear and jealousy. He is honored as the "Mother of Writing" (Niam Ntawv) among some Hmong groups.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Like the Cherokee Sequoyah of the early 19th century in Indian Territory (now United States), Shong Lue Yang is one of the few people from a pre-literate society known in history to have independently created an effective writing system. Born in the village of Fi Tong (Huồi Tụ), Vietnam, near the city of Nong Het, Laos, Yang grew up without learning to read or write, although he likely observed various writing systems. For much of his life, he subsisted as a farmer and basket maker. Beginning in 1959, he reportedly had a series of divine revelations, during which he was taught...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alasdair MacIntyre — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): Influential Scottish-American philosopher known for virtue ethics and political theory.
• André Previn — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): Versatile American musician, composer, and conductor mastering jazz, film, and classical forms.
• Anne Frank — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): German-born diarist whose secret writings documented life in hiding during the Holocaust.
• Adriano Giannini — Contemporary (Born in 1971) (1971): Italian actor known for dubbing and roles in film and television.
• Alison Krauss — Contemporary (Born in 1971) (1971): Esteemed American bluegrass singer and musician known for her vibrant career.
• Allan Nevins — Contemporary (Died in 1971) (1971): Pioneering American historian known for Civil War studies and business history.
• Arnold Palmer — Historical peer (Born in 1929) (1929): The charismatic "King" of golf, who popularized the sport for the masses.
• Asa Griggs Candler — Historical peer (Died in 1929) (1929): American business magnate and politician, most famous for founding the Coca-Cola Company.
• Arantxa Sánchez Vicario — Historical peer (Born in 1971) (1971): Spanish former tennis star, known for her defensive prowess in singles and doubles.
• Audie Murphy — Historical peer (Died in 1971) (1971): Decorated WWII soldier and celebrated Hollywood actor.
• 1929 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1929
• 1971 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1971