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. L2 users: 800,000 in Laos.

Location

Mekong river valley, Luang Prabang south to the Cambodia border. Lao-Khrang dialect is in Nakhonsawan and Nakhon Pathom areas.

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 [tts] of Thailand.

Typology

SOV.

Language Use

Also use Lao [lao].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–75%. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1932–2012.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lao
Writing

Lao script [Laoo].

Other Comments

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

Also spoken in:

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