Sound symbols

In the Changjiao Miao people's society, oral history is a more dominant form of communication than written symbols, and it is mainly the domain of men.

Like the eastern Eskimos, who left behind few material possessions but a wealthy literary heritage, the Changjiao Miao people left behind few physical remnants but an abundant collection of songs and proses.

Some of their popular songs included Jiuling songs that were sung while people drank alcohol, Kailu songs that were sung while people led the way to somewhere, and Songke songs that were sung when people saw off their guests. Jiuling songs were sung in the ancient Miao tongue and had a rich historical content. Most of the songs were sung by men, and on occasions like marriages and funerals, those who were able to sing a complete series of Jiuling songs, were regarded as the most knowledgeable of the group.

"Cultural men"

A good deal of the Changjiao Miao people's heritage was preserved by so-called "cultural men," who were responsible for the transmission of oral history. They were expected to master certain skills, like singing different cultural songs, skills which were not shared by everyone in the group.

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