Lao

LAO

national

Alternate Names: Eastern Thai, Lào, Lao Kao, Lao Wiang, Lao-Lum, Lao-Noi, Lao-Tai, Laotian, Laotian Tai, Lum Lao, Phou Lao, Rong Kong, Tai Lao

Dialects: Lao-Kao, Lao-Khrang, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet (Suwannakhet), Vientiane (Wiang Jan). Dialect subgroup with Northeastern Tai , of Thailand.

Genealogy:

Tai-Kadai
Kam-Tai
Tai
Southwestern

Demographics: 3,070,000 in Laos (2005 census). Population total all countries: 3,273,180. L2 users: 800,000 in Laos.

Language Use: Also use Lao [lao].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–75%. Grammar. Bible: 1932–2012.

Typology: SOV.

Spoken In: Laos

Writing System: Lao

Nation of Origin: Laos

Other Comments: The Lao Kao migrated to Thailand and are in Nan, Loei, Saraburi, and elsewhere. Buddhist, Christian, traditional religion.