Lao
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A language of Laos
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Eastern Thai, Lao Kao, Lao Wiang, Lao-Lum, Lao-Noi, Lao-Tai, Laotian, Laotian Tai, Lum Lao, Phou Lao, Rong Kong, Tai Lao
Autonym
ພາສາລາວ (Phasa Lao), ລາວ (Lào)
Population
3,870,000 in Laos, all users. 3,070,000 (2005 census). 800,000. Total users in all countries: 4,053,700 (as L1: 3,253,700; as L2: 800,000).
Location
Luang Prabang province: south to Cambodia border; widespread throughout Mekong river valley. Nakhon Pathom and Nakhonsawan areas (Lao-Khrang dialect).
Language Status
1 (National). Statutory national language (2003, Constitution, Article 89).
Classification
Dialects
Luang Prabang, Vientiane (Wiang Jan), Savannakhet, Pakse, Lao-Kao, Lao-Khrang. Dialect subgroup with Northeastern Tai [tts] of Thailand.
Typology
SVO; 23 consonants, 20 vowels, 3 diphthongs; tonal (6 tones).
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–75%. Fully developed. Bible: 1932–2012.
Language Resources
Writing
Lao script [Laoo].
The Lao Kao migrated to Thailand and are in Nan, Loei, Saraburi, and elsewhere. Buddhist, Christian, traditional religion.