The Lao language

Lao, sometimes referred to as Laotian (ພາສາລາວ) is a tonal language of the Tai–Kadai language family. It is the official language of Laos, also spoken in the Northwest of Thailand where it is usually referred to as the Isan language.

The Lao language serves as an important lingua franca as the country of Laos consists of multiple ethnic groups, whose population speaks about 86 different languages.

Spoken Lao is mutually intelligible with the Thai language (the two languages are written with slightly different scripts but are linguistically similar).

The Lao language can be divided into five regional dialects: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, Pakse / Champassak, whose differences are manifested in accent, pronunciation, as well as in a specific vocabulary and local expressions. Although there is no official standard, the Vientiane dialect has become the de facto standard.

Alphabet is based on ancient Siamese alphabet. he is made from 38 consonants, and 27 vowels.

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