The Hmong language is far from standardized and includes a mixture of many other languages. Most Hmong are likely to speak to each other in the languages from their surrounding environment, such as Yunnan Chinese, Laos, or Northern Thai. All three Hmong tribes do share the same set of root words and grammar structure, but the accent varies. The three Hmong tribes are able to communicate with one another, each using their own tribal language, and be understood. An alphabet or systems of writing, however, are noticeably absent. There is a Hmong tale about how at one time there was an alphabet and system of writing.