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Lao
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A language of
Laos
Location
Widespread throughout Mekong river valley, south to the Cambodia border.
Also spoken in:
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Argentina
Language Name
Lao
User Population
2,000 in Argentina (2018), based on nationality.
Language Status
Unestablished.
Other Comments
Non-indigenous.
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Australia
Language Name
Lao
User Population
9,980 in Australia (2016 census).
Language Status
Unestablished.
Other Comments
Non-indigenous.
View other languages of Australia
Cambodia
Language Name
Lao
User Population
18,500 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD).
Location
Banteay Meanchey province: 3 enclaves between Thai border and Sisophon city; Prey Veng province; Stung Treng province: between Laos border and Kong river; Svay Rieng province.
Language Status
6b* (Threatened).
Language Use
Also use Khmer [khm]. Used as L2 by Kachok [xkk], Kavet [krv], Kraol [rka], Krung [krr], Tampuan [tpu].
View other languages of Cambodia
Canada
Language Name
Lao
User Population
12,700 in Canada (2016 census).
Language Status
Unestablished.
Other Comments
Non-indigenous.
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New Zealand
Language Name
Lao
User Population
1,280 in New Zealand (2013 census).
Language Status
Unestablished.
Other Comments
Non-indigenous.
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Thailand
Language Name
Lao
User Population
60,200 in Thailand (2010 census).
Location
Scattered.
Alternate Names
Lao Lum, Lao Tai, Laotian, Laotian Lao, Phou Lao, Tai Lao
Language Status
Unestablished.
Language Use
Used by all. Also use Thai [tha]. Used as L2 by Aheu [thm], Chong [cog], Kuay [kdt], Nyahkur [cbn], Saek [skb], So [sss], Ugong [ugo], Yoy [yoy].
Other Comments
Non-indigenous. Buddhist.
View other languages of Thailand
United States
Language Name
Lao
User Population
153,000 in United States (2015 census).
Language Status
Unestablished.
Language Use
Many also use English [eng].
Other Comments
Non-indigenous.
View other languages of United States
Vietnam
Language Name
Lao
User Population
17,500 in Vietnam (2019 census), based on ethnicity.
Location
Scattered.
Language Status
5* (Dispersed).
Other Comments
Non-indigenous. Buddhist, traditional religion.
View other languages of Vietnam
