One reason that I am very thankful that I came to Laos to learn Lao language is that I am much more comfortable speaking Lao than writing or reading Lao. Of course, I would like to be able to read and write just as well as I speak, but I am so glad it is not the other way around.
For a long time, I studied Spanish very seriously. The language was introduced to the elementary schools when I was in fourth grade, and I chose to continue my studies through middle and high school. My freshman year of college I even lived in the Spanish speaking dorm, but I still feel that I cannot speak Spanish very well at all! Although I knew a lot of vocabulary, I never really could think of the conjugations on my feet. In effect, my speech would flow in s l o w m o t i o n. Although I could probably [painfully] read a book in Spanish, I think my speaking skills would fail me if I were to ever travel to a Spanish speaking country!
Actually living in Laos now, I know how important ant spoken language is. If I couldn’t speak well, everyday interactions would be so difficult; asking where the bathroom is, purchasing things at the market, telling the tuk-tuk where to take you. If these ordinary tasks were difficult, think about how terrifying it would be to get lost and not be able to ask for directions or what if there was an emergency? Yes, I still have very much to learn about Lao language, but I am thankful that I at least feel comfortable speaking what I know. I am sure that if I had studied in a classroom setting in the U.S., I would not be as comfortable speaking Lao as I am now. At least, I know that the writing and reading will always come eventually, especially if I study Lao in a classroom setting.
Sitting on a parked pick-up truck at our Guest House.
One reason that I am very thankful that I came to Laos to learn Lao is that I am much more comfortable speaking Lao than writing or reading it. Of course, I would like to be able to read and write just as well as I speak, but I am so glad it is not the other way around.
For a long time, I studied Spanish very seriously. The language was introduced to the elementary schools when I was in fourth grade, and I chose to continue my studies through middle and high school. My freshman year of college I even lived in the Spanish speaking dorm, but I still feel that I cannot speak Spanish very well at all! Although I knew a lot of vocabulary, I never really could think of the conjugations on my feet. In effect, my speech would flow in s l o w m o t i o n. Although I could probably [painfully] read a book in Spanish, I think my speaking skills would fail me if I were to ever travel to a Spanish speaking country!
Actually living in Laos now, I know how important spoken language is. If I couldn’t speak well, everyday interactions would be so difficult; asking where the bathroom is, purchasing things at the market, telling the tuk-tuk driver where to take you. If these ordinary tasks were difficult, think about how terrifying it would be to get lost and not be able to ask for directions or what if there was an emergency? Yes, I still have very much to learn about the Lao language, but I am thankful that I at least feel comfortable speaking what I know. I am sure that if I had studied in a classroom setting in the U.S., I would not be as comfortable speaking Lao as I am now. At least, I know that the writing and reading will always come eventually, especially if I study Lao in a classroom setting.
This entry was posted on July 23, 2009 at 8:46 pm and is filed under Author: Amy, Lao Language.
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3 Responses to “Spoken vs. Written Lao”
Hi Amy, I like the way you think. It makes perfect sense for you to prioritize your speaking and listening skills. I am sure your Lao has improved so much since the day you arrived in VTE.
Hello Amy,
I’m looking to learn the Lao Language and go at it 100%. I’m 27 and currently live and work in South Florida. I was trying to find out information on learning the Lao Langauge at any schools in the area,I didn’t find anything, but I did run into the LaoStudies website and found your blog. I was wondering if you had any pointers on how to go about learning the language. I would love to do a program like you’re doing and just immerse myself in the country and language. Do you know anyone that might have any info on places or schools where I can learn the language possibly down here in the Florida area? I’ve looked into some TESL opportunities as well. Any kind of info would be great.
Pe@ce,
Loren
LorenChristianAdam@gmail.com
Hello Amy,
I’m looking to learn the Lao Language and go at it 100%. I’m 27 and currently live and work in South Florida. I was trying to find out information on learning the Lao Langauge at any schools in the area,I didn’t find anything, but I did run into the LaoStudies website and found your blog. I was wondering if you had any pointers on how to go about learning the language. I would love to do a program like you’re doing and just immerse myself in the country and language. Do you know anyone that might have any info on places or schools where I can learn the language possibly down here in the Florida area? I’ve looked into some TESL opportunities as well. Any kind of info would be great.
Pe@ce,
Loren
LorenChristianAdam@gmail.com