Lao

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A language of Laos

ISO 639-3
lao
Alternate Names
Eastern Thai, Lao Wiang, Lao-Lum, Lao-Noi, Lao-Tai, Laotian, Laotian Tai, Lum Lao, Phou Lao, Rong Kong, Tai Lao
Autonym
ພາສາລາວ‎ (Phasa Lao)
User Population

4,230,000 in Laos, all users. L1 users: 3,430,000 in Laos (2015 census), based on ethnicity. L2 users: 800,000. Total users in all countries: 4,505,160 (as L1: 3,705,160; as L2: 800,000).

Location

Widespread throughout Mekong river valley, south to the Cambodia border.

Language Maps
Language Status

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

Classification
Kra-Dai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern
Dialects

Luang Prabang, Vientiane (Wiang Jan), Savannakhet, Pakse, Lao-Kao, Lao-Khrang. Dialect subgroup with Northeastern Thai [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%. Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Fully developed. 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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