How similar are Thai and Lao languages?

Lao and Thai languages are very similar to each other. In fact, the two languages are linguistically similar, though their writing script varies a bit. Thai is the native language of Thailand and is spoken in minority in Cambodia. Hence, the people in Laos are very familiar with the Thai language.

What language is Lao similar to?

Thai
Lao has also received influence from the neighbouring, and closely related, Standard Thai, the national language of Thailand. The language is written in a script of Indic origin, similar to that of Thai.

Do people in Laos understand Thai?

– Thai Vs Lao Language: From a study by Chiang Mai University in Thailand, it was estimated that over 60\% of the people of Laos, understand at least 60\% of the Thai Language. So yes for the most part. The study suggested that the majority of the people whom had more understanding of the Thai language were of the younger generation (35 and Under).

What is the writing style of Laos?

Their writing style is writing from left to right with no spaces between words. The Thai writing style is closer to Sanskrit. Lao was revised to write phonetically so that even non Lao-ethnic people could read and understand it easily. Many extra consonants are eliminated in Lao and spelling rules are made simpler.

Is the word house the same in Thai and Lao?

However, there are words that are considered the same, but are used in different ways and contexts in each of the languages. For instance, in Lao, the term for house is “heuan.” In Thai, it is also understood as house, but they only use the word for very formal settings. “Baan” is the more appropriate term for Thais.

How long does it take to learn Lao language?

The Thai writing style is closer to Sanskrit. Lao was revised to write phonetically so that even non Lao-ethnic people could read and understand it easily. Many extra consonants are eliminated in Lao and spelling rules are made simpler. In short, a person who knows Thai language can learn Lao only in a few hours.