Ethnologue > Web version > Country index > Asia > Laos

Languages of Laos

See language map.
[See also SIL publications on the languages of Laos.]

Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Sathanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao. 2,769,000, or 71% speakers of Daic languages, 1,100,000, or 24.1% Austro-Asiatic languages, 175,000, or 4% Miao-Yao languages, 42,500, or 1% Tibeto-Burman languages (Matisoff 1991). National or official language: Lao. Literacy rate: 43%–45%. Immigrant languages: Central Khmer (10,400), Mandarin Chinese, Sedang (790), Tampuan, Vietnamese (76,000). Information mainly from R. Burling 1998; J. Edmondson and D. Solnit 1997; F. Lebar, G. Hickey, J. Musgrave 1964; J. Matisoff, P. Baron and J. Lowe 1996; D. Thomas and R. Headley 1970; S. Wurm and S. Hattori 1981. Blind population: 10,000 (1982 WCE). The number of individual languages listed for Laos is 84. Of those, all are living languages.

Aheu	[thm] 1,770 in Laos (2000). Pak Sane Province, Khamkeut District, near Lak Sao. Alternate names: Kha Tong Luang, Phon Soung, Phonsung, So, Thavung. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Thavung More information.
Akeu	[aeu] 1,000 in Laos (1996). Phongsali Province, Gnot Ou District. Alternate names: Aki, Akui. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Lolo, Southern More information.
Akha	[ahk] 66,100 (Bradley 2007). Luang Namtha, Phongsali provinces. Alternate names: Ahka, Aini, Ak’a, Aka, Ekaw, Hka Ko, Ikaw, Ikor, Kaw, Khako, Khao Kha Ko, Ko, Yani. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern More information.
Alak	[alk] 4,000 (Bradley 2007). South, mainly Saravan and Sekong provinces. Alternate names: Hrlak. Dialects: Included under Bahnaric as most similar to Bahnar [bdq], Tampuan [tpu], Lamam [lmm]. Also included under Katuic. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, Central Bahnaric More information.
Arem	[aem] 20 in Laos. Ethnic population: 500 (1995). West central, both sides of the Viet Nam-Laos border, west of Phuc Trach. Alternate names: Chombrau, Chomrau, Umo. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Chut Nearly extinct. More information.
Bit	[bgk] 1,530 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Population total all countries: 1,730. Near the north border with China, northeast of Namtha, Luand Namtha Province, and south of Boun Neua; Phongsali Province, Boun-Tai, Samphan, and Khoa districts, 8 villages. Also in China. Alternate names: Buxinhua, Khabit, Khbit, Phsin, Phsing. Dialects: Not Khmuic, but Palaungic (1990 J. Svantesson). Related to Khao [xao] in Viet Nam. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Khao More information.
Bo	[bgl] 2,950 (2000). Central, inland from the Mekong River bend, Nhang River, Nape area; Kammouan, Lak Sao, Bolikhamxay provinces, Hinboun District. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Muong More information.
Bru, Eastern	[bru] 69,000 in Laos (1999). Population total all countries: 124,600. East Savannehkhet Province, Sepone District. Also in Viet Nam. Dialects: Leun (Leung, Kaleu), Tri (So Tri, So Trii, Chali). Partially intelligible with Western Bru [brv] of Thailand. Related to Khua [xhv]. The Mangkong dialect in Viet Nam and eastern Laos is a dialect of Eastern Bru, different linguistically from the Mangkong that are the same as So [sss] of Thailand. Mangkong is also an ethnic group. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Brou-So More information.
Chepya	[ycp] Northwest Phongsaly Province. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern More information.
Chut	[scb] 450 in Laos (1995 census). Khammouan Province, Bouarapha District, near Viet Nam border. Alternate names: May, Ruc, Sach, Salang. Dialects: May, Ruc. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Chut More information.
Con	[cno] 1,000 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Luang Namtha Province, southwest of Vieng Pou Kha. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Lametic More information.
Halang Doan	[hld] 2,350 in Laos (2000). Attopeu Province, Kasseng Plateau, Sanxai District, Kamane and Dak Robay rivers’ left banks, near Viet Nam border. Alternate names: Doan, Duan, Halang Duan. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, North Bahnaric, West, Duan More information.
Hani	[hni] 1,120 in Laos (1995). Phongsali Province, Yunnan border. Alternate names: Hanhi, Haw. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern More information.
Hmong Daw	[mww] 170,000 in Laos (1995 census). North. Alternate names: Bai Miao, Hmonng Der, Hmoob Dawb, Meo Kao, White Lum, White Meo, White Hmong, White Miao. Dialects: Hmong Gu Mba (Hmong Qua Mba, Striped Hmong), Mong Leng. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian More information.
Hmong Njua	[hnj] 100,000 in Laos (Hattaway 2000). Population total all countries: 310,000. North. Also in Australia, Canada, China, France, French Guiana, Myanmar, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Blue Hmong, Blue Meo, Ching Miao, Green Hmong, Green Meo, Hmong Lens, Hmong Nzhua, Hmoob Leeg, Lu Miao, Meo Dam, Meo Lai, Mong Ntsua, Qing Miao, Tak Miao. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian More information.
Hung	[hnu] 2,000 in Laos (Ferlus 1996). Population total all countries: 2,700. Bolikhamsay, Khammouan provinces. Toum dialect northeast of Nape and south of the Phong. Also in Viet Nam. Dialects: Toum (Tum), Phong (Pong, Poong, Pong 1, Pong 2). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Cuoi More information.
Ir	[irr] 4,420 (2000). Saravan Province, east of Saravan town. Alternate names: In, Yir. Dialects: Most similar to Ong [oog]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta’oih More information.
Iu Mien	[ium] 20,300 in Laos (2000). Alternate names: Highland Yao, Man, Mien, Myen, Yao. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin More information.
Jeh	[jeh] 8,010 in Laos (1995 census). South, Xekong Province, Dakchung District; Attopeu Province, Sanxai District, basin of Poko, Kamane, and Dak Main rivers. Alternate names: Die, Gie, Yeh. Dialects: Jeh Bri La, Jeh Mang Ram. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, North Bahnaric, West, Jeh-Halang More information.
Jeng	[jeg] 7,320 (2000). Attopeu Province, Samakkhixai and Sanamxai districts. 6 villages north of Attopeu town. Alternate names: Cheng, Chiengceng. Dialects: Related to Oy [oyb], Sapuan [spu], Sok [skk]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The More information.
Kaduo	[ktp] 5,000 in Laos (Wurm and Hattori 1981). North central on China border, north of Mong Ou Tay. Alternate names: Khatu. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern More information.
Kang	[kyp] 47,600 in Laos (1995 census). Population total all countries: 81,700. Houaphan Province, Xam-Tai District; Xiangkhoang Province, Nonghet District. Also in China. Alternate names: Tai Khang. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui More information.
Kasseng	[kgc] 1,200 (2000 D. Bradley). Ethnic population: 6,000 (2000). South near Viet Nam border, Boloven Plateau area north of Attopeu, and between Jeh [jeg], Alak [alk], Laven [lbo], and Tareng [tgr]. Alternate names: Kaseng, Koseng, Kraseng. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Kaseng More information.
Kataang	[kgd] 107,000 (2000). South, Saravan, Savannakhet, Sekong, and Champassak provinces, Toumlahn District area, Muong Nong area, near Ta’oih [tto] [tth] and Bru [bru]; 2 villages in Khong Chiem, Ubon Ratachatani District, Thailand. Alternate names: Katang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta’oih More information.
Katu, Western	[kuf] 14,700 (1998). Sekong, Saravan, Champassak provinces, Upper Xe Kong River, high basin of Song Boung River watershed along the border. Dialects: A different language variety and orthography from Viet Nam. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Katu-Pacoh More information.
Khlor	[llo] 6,000 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Saravan Province, Laongam District, south of Ir and Ong. Alternate names: Klor, Lor. Dialects: Most similar to Ngeq [ngt]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Ngeq-Nkriang More information.
Khmu	[kjg] 390,000 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Population total all countries: 480,100. Scattered in north. Also in China, France, Myanmar, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Kamhmu, Kammu, Kamu, Khamu, Khamuk, Khmu’, Khomu, Kmhmu, Lao Terng, Mou, Pouteng, Pu Thenh, Tenh, Theng. Dialects: Yuan, Khroong (Krong), Luang Prabang, Sayabury, Lyy, Rok, U, Hat. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu’, Khmu’ More information.
Khua	[xhv] 2,000 in Laos (1981). Khammouan Province, Bouarapha District, northwest of Boualapha. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Brou-So More information.
Khuen	[khf] 8,000 in Laos (1995 L. Chazee). Population total all countries: 9,000. Luang Namtha Province, Nale, Sing, and Viangphoukha districts. Near Lamet [lbn]. Also in China, United States. Alternate names: Khouen, Khween, Kween. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu’, Khmu’ More information.
Kim Mun	[mji] 4,500 in Laos (1995 L. Chazee). Northwest, Luang Namtha Province, Long, Namtha districts; Huay Sai Province; Nam Moh District, Udom Sai Province, Nam Moh District; Bokeo Province. Alternate names: Jim Mun, Lan Tin, Lanten, Lowland Yao, Man Lan-Tien, Mun. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin More information.
Kiorr	[xko] 2,360 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Louang Nam Tha, Bokeo provinces. 6 villages. Also in Myanmar. Alternate names: Col, Con, Saamtaav, Samtao, Samtao 2. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic More information.
Kuan	[uan] 2,500 (1995 census). Bolikhamxay Province, Viangthong District, near Mouan River. Dialects: Not easily classified, possibly because of migration. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Unclassified More information.
Kuy	[kdt] 51,200 in Laos (2000). 80% monolingual. South, Savannakhet, Saravan, Sedone provinces; both sides of the Mekong. Alternate names: Aouei, Cuoi, Dui, Khamen-Boran, Kui, Kuoy, Old Khmer, Soai, Suai, Suay, Suei, Sui, Suoi. Dialects: Antra, Na Nhyang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Kuay-Nheu More information.
Lahu	[lhu] 8,700 in Laos (1995 census). Bokeo Province, Peung, Tonpheung, Houayxay districts. Alternate names: Muhso, Museu, Musso, Mussuh. Dialects: Na (Black Lahu, Musser Dam, Northern Lahu, Loheirn), Nyi (Red Lahu, Southern Lahu, Musseh Daeng, Luhishi, Luhushi), Shehleh. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central More information.
Lahu Shi	[lhi] 3,000 in Laos (2007). Bokeo Province, Kentung District. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central More information.
Lamet	[lbn] 16,700 in Laos (1995 census). Population total all countries: 16,832. Northwest, Luang Namtha, Bokeo provinces. Also in Thailand, United States. Alternate names: Kha Lamet, Khamed, Khamet, Lemet, Rmeet. Dialects: Upper Lamet, Lower Lamet. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Lametic More information.
Lao	[lao] 3,000,000 in Laos (1991 UBS). Population total all countries: 3,184,500. Mekong River Valley, Luang Prabang south to Cambodia border. Lao-Khrang in Nakhonsawan and Nakhon Pathom area. Possibly in Viet Nam. Also in Australia, Cambodia, Canada, France, Thailand, United States. 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: Luang Prabang, Vientiane (Wiang Jan), Savannakhet (Suwannakhet), Pakse, Lao-Kao, Lao-Khrang. Dialect subgroup with Northeastern Tai of Thailand. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Lao-Phutai More information.
Laos Sign Language	[lso] Dialects: Related to sign languages in Viet Nam and earlier ones in Thailand. Classification: Deaf sign language More information.
Lave	[brb] 12,800 in Laos (1984). Population total all countries: 21,175. Attopeu Province, Laos-Cambodia border. Also in Cambodia, France, United States, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Brao, Braou, Brau, Brou, Laveh, Love, Proue, Rawe. Dialects: Palau. Similar to Kru’ng 2 [krr], Kavet [krv], Sou [sqq]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Brao-Kravet More information.
Laven	[lbo] 40,500 in Laos (1995 census). Southwest, Champassak, Attopeu provinces, Boloven Plateau, near the Alak [alk]. Also in United States. Alternate names: Boloven, Boriwen, Jaru, Jru’, Jruq, Laweenjru, Loven. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Laven More information.
Lü	[khb] 134,000 in Laos (2000). West Phongsali, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Udomxay, Xanyabouli, Luang Prabang provinces. Alternate names: Lu, Lue, Pai-I, Shui-Pai-I. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest More information.
Mal	[mlf] 23,200 in Laos (1995 census). Population total all countries: 26,700. Xaignabouli Province, Phiang District, west of Mekong River. Also in Thailand, United States. Alternate names: Htin, Khatin, T’in, Thin, Tin. Dialects: Not intelligible with Lua [prb], Prai [prt], or Pray 3 [pry]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu’, Mal-Phrai More information.
Maleng	[pkt] 800 in Laos (Ferlus 1996). Population total all countries: 1,000. Khammouan Province, Nakay District, Nam Theun Valley, near Theun River banks. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Malang, Malieng. Dialects: Maleng, Pakatan (Kha Pakatan), Malang, Hareme. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Chut More information.
Mlabri	[mra] 24 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Xaignabouli Province, Phiang District, near Thailand border. Alternate names: Ma Ku, Mabri, Mla, Mla-Bri, Mrabri, Yellow Leaf, Yumbri. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mlabri More information.
Ngeq	[ngt] 12,200 (1995 census). 70% monolingual. South, Sekong, Saravan, Champassak provinces. 25 villages. Alternate names: Kriang, Ngae, Nge’, Ngeh, Nkriang. Dialects: Most similar to Khlor [llo]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Ngeq-Nkriang More information.
Nung	[nut] A few in Laos. Alternate names: Nong. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Central More information.
Nyaheun	[nev] 5,150 (1995 census). East Boloven Plateau near Sekong and Paksong. Alternate names: Hin, Hoen, Hun, Nha Heun, Nia Hoen, Niahon, Nyah Heuny, Nyahön, Yaheun. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Nyaheun More information.
O’du	[tyh] 190 in Laos (Proschan 1996). Xiang Khoang Province, Nonghet District. Alternate names: ’Iduh, “Haat” , “Hat” , Iduh, “Tay Hat”. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu’, Khmu’ More information.
Ong	[oog] 10,300 (2000). Saravan Province, north of Saravan town. Alternate names: Hantong, Tong. Dialects: Most similar to Ir [irr]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta’oih More information.
Oy	[oyb] 14,900 (1995 census). 80% monolingual. Attopeu Province, at the foot of Bolaven Plateau near Pakse. Alternate names: Huei, Oi. Dialects: Riyao, Tamal Euy, Inn Tea, Kranyeu. Related to Jeng [jeg], Sapuan [spu], Sok [skk], The [thx]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The More information.
Pacoh	[pac] 13,200 in Laos (1995 census). 70% monolingual. Saravan Province, Samouay District; Savannakhet Province, Nong District. Alternate names: Bo River Van Kieu, Pokoh. Dialects: Pahi. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Katu-Pacoh More information.
Phana’	[phq] 350 (1995 census). Luang Namtha Province and District, Bopiet and Namtoung villages; Bokeo Province, Houayxay District, one village. Alternate names: Bana’, Pana’. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha More information.
Phong-Kniang	[pnx] 1,000 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). South Houaphan Province, Viangthong and Houamuang districts, near Neun River; north Xieng Khouang Province. Alternate names: Keneng, Kenieng, Khaniang, Lao Phong, Pong 3. Dialects: Related to Puoc [puo], Kháng [kjm]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Xinh Mul More information.
Phu Thai	[pht] 154,000 in Laos (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Khammouan, Savannakhet, Saravan, Champassak provinces; some in Oudomxai, Luang Prabang provinces. Alternate names: Phutai, Putai, Puthay. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Lao-Phutai More information.
Phuan	[phu] 106,000 in Laos (2000). Bolikhamxai, Vientiane, Xiangkhoang, and Houaphan. Alternate names: Lao Phuan, Phu Un. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng More information.
Phunoi	[pho] 35,600 in Laos (1995 census). North central, Phony Saly area. Also in Thailand. Alternate names: Phounoy, Phu Noi, Punoi. Dialects: Black Khoany, White Khoany, Mung, Hwethom, Khaskhong. Similar to Bisu [bzi], Pyen [pyy], and Mpi [mpz]. Listed dialects may be separate languages. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Phunoi More information.
Prai	[prt] 15,000 in Laos (1995 census). Xaignabouli Province, Hongsa, Xaignabouli, Xiang Hon, and Phiang districts. Alternate names: Lao Mai. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu’, Mal-Prai More information.
Pu Ko	[puk] 2 villages. Alternate names: Poko. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern More information.
Puoc	[puo] 2,160 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Northeast, Houaphan Province, Xiangkho District; Xieng Khouang Province, Het River, along Viet Nam border. Alternate names: Kha Niang, Kha Puhoc, Ksing Mul, Lao Muh, Pou Hok, Puhoc, Puok, Xin Mul, Xing Mun, Xinh Mul. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Xinh Mul More information.
Rien	[rie] 5,280 (2000). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai More information.
Saek	[skb] 14,000 in Laos (Diller 1990). Population total all countries: 25,000. Central, near Viet Nam border; Khammouan Province, Upper Nam Noy and Nam Pheo areas; Borikhamxay Province, Khamkeut District, Na Kadok village. Also in Thailand. Alternate names: Sek, Set, Tai Sek. Dialects: Na Kadok, Khammouan. Similar to Tai Mène. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Sek More information.
Salang	[hal] 4,000 in Laos. South, Attopeu Province. Alternate names: Halang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, North Bahnaric, West, Jeh-Halang More information.
Samtao	[stu] Alternate names: Samtau, Samtuan. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic More information.
Sapuan	[spu] 2,400 (1981). South, Attopeu Province, Se Kong and Se Kamane rivers’ banks. Alternate names: Sapouan. Dialects: Related to Oy [oyb], Sok [skk], Jeng [jeg]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The More information.
Sila	[slt] 1,770 in Laos (1995 census). Population total all countries: 2,610. North central, north of Muong Hai. Also in Viet Nam. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani More information.
Sô	[sss] 102,000 in Laos (1993). Population total all countries: 172,000. Khammouan, Thakhek, Savannakhet provinces, both sides of Mekong River. Also in Thailand. Alternate names: Bru, Kah So, Makong, Mang Cong, Mang-Koong, Mangkong, Mankoong, So Makon, Thro. Dialects: So Trong, So Slouy, So Phong. Similar to Bru [bru]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Brou-So More information.
Sok	[skk] 1,600 (1981). Attopeu Province. Alternate names: Sawk, Sork. Dialects: Related to Oy [oyb], Sapuan [spu], Jeng [jeg]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The More information.
Sou	[sqq] 2,360 (2000). South, Attopeu Province, Phouvong and Sanamxai districts. Alternate names: Sawk, Souk, Su, Su’, Suq. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Brao-Kravet More information.
Tai Daeng	[tyr] 25,000 in Laos (1991). Northeast, near Viet Nam border. Alternate names: Daeng, Red Thai, Tai Deng, Thai Dang, Thai Do. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng More information.
Tai Dam	[blt] 50,000 in Laos (1995). Khammouan Province. Alternate names: Black Tai, Tai Noir, Thai Den. Dialects: Tai Muoi (Tai Muei, Tay Mueai, Meuay). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng More information.
Tai Dón	[twh] 200,000 in Laos (1995 census). Northeast. Alternate names: Tai Blanc, Tai Kao, Tai Lai, Thái Tráng, White Tai. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng More information.
Tai Loi	[tlq] 500 in Laos (1995 census). Luang Namtha Province, Long District. Possibly in China. Alternate names: Loi, Monglwe, Tailoi, Wakut. Dialects: Tai Loi, Doi. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic More information.
Tai Long	[thi] 4,800 (2004). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern More information.
Tai Mène	[tmp] 7,200 (1995 census). Borikhamxay Province, Vieng Thong District; Khamkeut District, Lak Xao, Khamkeut, Na Heuang, Nam Sak, Sop Chat, Ka’ane, Phon Thoen, Sop Pone, and Tha Veng. Alternate names: Tai Maen, Tai Man, Tai Men, Tai Mene, Tai-Maen, Tay Mènè. Dialects: Similar to Saek [skb]. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern More information.
Tai Nüa	[tdd] 35,000 in Laos (1995 L. Chazee). Northwest. Possibly in north Viet Nam. Alternate names: Chinese Shan, Tai Neua, Tai Nuea. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest More information.
Tai Pao	[tpo] 3,300 (1995 census). Bolikhamxay Province, Viangthong, Khamkeut, Pakkading districts. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai More information.
Talieng	[tdf] 23,100 (1995 census). Savannakhet Province, Muong Phine-Bung Sai area. Alternate names: Taliang, Tariang. Dialects: Related to Trieng or Hre [hre] in Viet Nam, and may be the same. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, North Bahnaric, West More information.
Ta’oih, Lower	[tto] 15,800 (2000). Saravan Province, northwest of Saravan town. Alternate names: Tong. Dialects: Tong, Hantong’. Not intelligible with Upper Ta’oih. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta’oih More information.
Ta’oih, Upper	[tth] 30,900 in Laos (1995 census). 70% monolingual. Population total all countries: 49,900. Saravan Province, Ta-Oy District. Also in United States, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Kantua, Ta Hoi, Ta-Oi, Ta-Oy, Tau Oi. Dialects: Pasoom, Kamuan’, Palee’n, Leem, Ha’aang (Sa’ang). Not intelligible with Lower Ta’oih [tto] until speakers have had at least 2 weeks’ contact. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta’oih More information.
Tareng	[tgr] 5,000 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). West of Viet Nam border, east of Kayong, north of Chavane and Thia. Alternate names: Tariang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Katu-Pacoh More information.
Tay Khang	[tnu] 200. Khammouan Province. Possibly in Viet Nam. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai More information.
Thai, Northern	[nod] 9,400 in Laos (2000). Haut Mekong and Sayaboury provinces. Alternate names: Lan Na, Lanatai, Lanna, Lannatai, Muang, Myang, “Youanne” , “Youon” , “Yuan”. Dialects: Nan. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng More information.
The	[thx] 2,920 (2000). Attopeu Province. Alternate names: Thae. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The More information.
Yoy	[yoy] 1,000 in Laos (1995 census). Alternate names: Dioi, Jui, Yoi, Yooi, Yooy. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern More information.

This web edition of the Ethnologue contains all the content of the print edition and may be cited as:
Lewis, M. Paul (ed.), 2009. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Sixteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/.

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