Lao

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A language of Laos

ISO 639-3
lao
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
Population

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

Location

Mekong river valley, Luang Prabang south to the Cambodia border. Lao-Khrang dialect is in Nakhonsawan and Nakhon Pathom areas. Also in Australia, Cambodia, Canada, France, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam.

Language Maps
Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2003, Constitution, Article 89).

Classification
Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern
Dialects

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

Typology

SOV

Language Use

800,000 L2 speakers.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–75%. Bible: 1932.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lao
Writing
Lao script.
Other Comments

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

Also spoken in:

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