Lao is spoken in Laos and northeastern Thailand, where it is called Isan. Focusing on the dialect that is accepted as the central language of the Lao P.D.R., this is the first Lao dictionary to present the correct Vientiane pronunciation. It is designed both for travelers and those wishing to learn native pronunciation. As one of the few Lao-English dictionaries available, the English-Lao section has been expanded for those English speakers who have been seeking such a reference.

Lao is spoken in Laos and northeastern Thailand, where it is called Isan. Focusing on the dialect that is accepted as the central language of the Lao P.D.R., this is the first Lao dictionary to present the correct Vientiane pronunciation. It is designed both for travelers and those wishing to learn native pronunciation. As one of the few Lao-English dictionaries available, the English-Lao section has been expanded for those English speakers who have been seeking such a reference.

Designed to help English speakers communicate in Lao. You will find this practical dictionary helpful both in Laos and in Northeast Thailand. You can use it without having to learn the Lao alphabet. However, there is also a comprehensive introduction to the Lao writing system and pronunciation. You will find most of the vocabulary used in everyday life including basic medical, cultural, political and scientific terms.

This is a concise, do–it– yourself guide to the Lao language Lao Basics teaches conversational Lao from the very beginning with an emphasis on reading and writing an is the easiest way to learn Lao. Students of Thai will find Lao quite simple, as much of these two languages are the same or very similar. These languages derive from Sanskrit and share many of the same consonants, vowels, vocabulary and grammar. Lao Basics is organized so that you first learn to read Lao, write Lao, speak Lao and comprehend the 26 consonants in their tonal classes. Once you have mastered these you will study the 28 vowels in subsets. Within each vowel grouping, you will learn vocabulary, conversational phrases, alphabetical order and sentence structure through exercises that grow more challenging as your vocabulary increases. As you progress through Lao Basics, vocabulary from previous lessons will be repeated regularly and our command of the written and spoken language will steadily improve. And you can do all this on your own. Each chapter's Lao words and exercises have been recorded on the accompanying downloadable audio, and all of the exercises answers are in the back of the book. Highlights of this book are: Throughout, review exercises with answer keys help you polish your skills. The vocabulary and phrases are written in Lao script, and are accompanied by pronunciations that help English speakers to say them accurately. The downloadable audio includes every vocabulary item, sample phrases, and exercises, so that you can learn from native voices.