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Home > Language > What is the Difference Between Lao and Laos?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Lao and Laos?

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The main difference between "Lao" and "Laos" lies in their usage and meaning. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Laos: This term refers to the country in Southeast Asia, which is a landlocked nation bordering other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Burma, and Cambodia. The official name of the country is Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
  • Lao: This term is used to describe the people, language, and culture of Laos. The people of the country are called Lao, they speak the Lao language, and they refer to their country as Lao. The term "Lao" is also used to describe the dominant ethnic group in the country, which is why the French chose to name the country Laos.

In summary:

  • "Laos" refers to the country, the government, and its official matters.
  • "Lao" refers to the people, language, and culture of Laos.

It is essential to use the terms "Lao" and "Laos" correctly to avoid confusion and maintain respect for the country and its people. When referring to someone or something from Laos, it is more accurate and respectful to use "Lao" instead of "Laotian". For example, "Lao people," "Lao food," and "Lao customs" are appropriate terms to use.

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  • What is the Difference Between Lao and Laos?
  • Comparative Table: Lao vs Laos

    • Comparative Table: Lao vs Laos

    The terms "Lao" and "Laos" refer to two different entities, but they are closely related. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Feature Lao Laos
    Definition Lao is a language spoken in Laos, Thailand, and other regions. It is a member of the Southwestern branch of Tai languages and falls within the Lao-Phuthai group. Laos is a Southeast Asian country, sharing a long border with Thailand, marked by the Mekong River.
    Script The Lao script is more curved and flowing, with 27 consonant symbols, 12 vowel symbols, and four tone marks. The Lao people are the predominant ethnic group in Laos, and the official language of the country is Lao.
    Similarity Lao and Thai languages share approximately 80% of their vocabularies, with many words being cognates. Laos and Thailand have similar cultures, with Theravada Buddhism as their primary religion, and both peoples consider the other to be close cousins.
    History Lao, like Thai, is influenced by Pali, Sanskrit, and Old Mon-Khmer. Lao also has consonantal differences from Thai, such as the absence of /r/ and the presence of /ɲ/ and /ʋ/. Laos was part of French Indochina, while Thailand was never colonized by a Western country. During the Vietnam War, many Hmong and Yao tribespeople from Laos resettled in Thailand.

    While the Lao language and Laos share similarities due to their geographical proximity and cultural exchange, they have distinct differences in their linguistic structure, script, and historical backgrounds.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.