S A I L » Lao Language

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.

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.

The American Center at the Lao-American College.

Being fluent in English is great. I could probably manage to go anywhere in the world never knowing a second language. I’ll never get lost in an airport with all the directions in English. I can always get a taste of home by turning on the TV to watch a movie or listen to songs I can actually comprehend. I am honored to know that so many students around the world are studying my native tongue, hence my willingness to help them learn. Although I am very grateful that I don’t have to question my knowledge of English, I have found that it makes learning Lao that much more difficult.
For some time I have wanted to study in a country where I would not know the language spoken to see what it feels like to be in that position. Being here with a group of six other English speakers, and studying at a college where classes are actually taught in English, I have come no where close to feeling this way. Of course, this is nice, since I don’t think it would be so much fun not being able to communicate, but at the same time I feel a lot like I cheated.
Whenever I go for a walk or run on the street, I am never surprised to hear “Hello” or other English greetings directed my way. When I am with a friend who only understands Lao and another person begins speaking English to me I actually feel guilty! And I love spending time with you SAILers, but sometimes I am quiet since I don’t really want to speak English, but I don’t know how to respond in Lao either! Anyone who knows me well will know about my high expectations for myself studying in another country. For me, the entire point of going abroad is to learn another language and experience living there. There are very few places in the world that I would like to travel to see actual things. Even here in Laos, I am not so interested in tours or site seeing. Despite my recent camera purchase, I haven’t even been taking that many photographs. All I want to do is meet people who speak Lao and talk with them. So that is what I have been doing here in Vientiane.

I am so thankful for all the patient people I have met here who encourage me to speak Lao! Thank you so much for enjoying my company and inviting me to chat even though I may very well say ‘wao ik’ or ‘wao saa saa’ after every sentence.

Dear housemates of mine, I want to let you know of course I understand why it is easier for you to speak Chinese, but now that I am in a similar position as you, I hope you can believe me. You know, though, I will still tease you to speak in English since I would be thankful to have someone pushing me to speak Lao all the time! I miss you guys and hope you are having a wonderful summer! Mom, Dad, Samantha, Theresa and Som, miss you tons and hope you don’t miss me too much!