The Thai and Lao languages are very related. The identical is true for his or her cultures too. That is to be anticipated for nations that share a border and have a protracted historical past collectively. Talking to my Thai mates, they are saying that they’ve a number of points understanding Lao when spoken. So what are the variations between Thai and Lao? The story is a bit completely different on the subject of writing, however we’ll get to that later. 

So to what extent are they the identical, and what are the key variations between Thai and Lao? I believed that we may look into that right this moment and hopefully be taught to understand every language in its personal proper.

Is Thai Associated To Lao?

Thai and Lao are carefully associated languages with shared origins and customary linguistic growth. Each Thai and Lao belong to the bigger household of Tai-Kadai languages, which encompasses a number of different languages spoken in Southeast Asia. The Thai language, often known as Central Thai or Siamese, is the official language of Thailand, whereas Lao is the official language of Laos.

Traditionally, the ancestors of each Thai and Lao folks originated from southern China and migrated southward over many centuries. As they settled in numerous areas, the language progressively advanced and developed distinct regional variations. Nonetheless, as a result of their shared roots, Thai and Lao retain many similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, which makes them considerably mutually intelligible languages. This similarity allows audio system of 1 language to grasp and talk with audio system of the opposite to a substantial extent.

Variations Between Thai And Lao: Talking

It’s true that each languages share loads of the identical vocabulary, together with essential issues like numbers, however there are nonetheless some main variations. Even loads of on a regular basis vocabulary differs between the 2. For instance, in Thai, the phrase for good day is ‘sawat dee’ (สวัสดี), whereas in Lao, they are saying ‘sabai dee’ (ສະບາຍດີ). These small variations can actually catch learners out when switching between languages, so it may well take time to regulate. Fortunately, the grammar is precisely the identical for essentially the most half.

Pronunciations

One factor Lao does with pronunciation that’s completely different from Thai is simplifying phrases. What this implies is that phrases that start with two consonants would drop the second consonant. A phrase beginning with pr could be pronounced as simply p, for instance. This will occur in casual Thai talking, too however is extra outstanding in Lao.

In terms of tones, the 2 differ fairly a bit. Whereas Thai makes use of 5 tones, Laos makes use of six. The tones in Lao are additionally completely different from these in Thai, the place Thai has low, mid, excessive, rising, and falling tones, whereas Lao has mid, excessive, rising, low falling, and excessive falling tones. Realizing which tone to make use of would require studying a complete different system, and the languages don’t share the identical tone guidelines.

The Isaan area is understood across the nation as sharing many similarities with Laos. The explanation for that is that the Isaan dialect is definitely derived from the Laos language. That is true for these situated closest to the border with Laos, as some areas are additionally influenced by Khmer from Cambodia additional to the south of the area.

Lastly, it’s value noting that Lao folks will seemingly have a neater time understanding Thai as loads of Thai media is proven in Laos, whereas Lao media in Thailand is far much less frequent, particularly outdoors of the Isaan area.

Writing Thai Vs Lao

Writing is probably the most important and most evident of variations. Whereas they do have some similarities, the Thai and Lao scripts are completely different. You possibly can normally acknowledge Lao from the extra curvy, rounded characters, whereas Thai makes use of extra straight traces. To an extent, they will look just like each other when seen aspect by aspect. See these phrases:

How Are You In Lao

How Are You In Thai

Supposedly, Lao is sort of a cursive model of the Thai script although some similar-looking characters are literally pronounced in another way between the languages. So, regardless of lots of the shared vocabulary, you will have to be taught the Lao alphabet earlier than you begin writing even the phrases which might be acquainted. That is additional impacted when contemplating that, as talked about earlier than, Lao usually simplifies phrases. That is mirrored in the way in which they’re written too.

Identical to in Thai, there isn’t any official transliteration system in place which once more provides to the confusion. It’s one other case of discovering a system that works finest for you.

Two Related However Distinctive Languages, However You Can Study Them With Ling!

So hopefully, after studying this, you may perceive the similarities and variations between Thai and Lao. This isn’t an in-depth look, however extra of an outline, however I really feel like this kind of scenario is sort of uncommon, the place two neighboring languages are very related but use a totally completely different script. In any other case, you need to know now that studying Thai will really set you up effectively for visiting Laos and probably be a great stepping stone for studying their language too. Whichever manner you select to be taught them, they’ll enable you to to find a singular and attention-grabbing tradition.

Really feel the urge to be taught Thai? Use the Ling app to enhance your understanding of Thai and put together you for visiting the nation. With simply 5 minutes a day, you may actually make a distinction. Obtain the Ling app now on the Play Retailer or App Retailer and fulfill your goals of mastering a brand new language now!