Lao language experts assess current usage

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The Lao language research committee is carrying out a study of policies and legislation on the use of the Lao language, with the aim of ensuring accuracy and consistency.

The committee has discussed the editing of Lao language dictionaries and will set rules on the use of the Lao language in relation to reading, writing, and the culture of language use.

Director General of the Research Institute of Educational Sciences under the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Onekeo Nouannavong (pic), recently outlined the committee’s background, organisational structure, functions, and action plan for 2022.

Dr Onekeo said the action plan will involve studies concerning Lao language and literature, policies and legislation on principles around the use of Lao language, grammar, and vocabulary.

This year, the committee has explored teaching methods and materials in Lao language for ethnic students, and has clarified frequently misspelled words, hyphenated words, and foreign terms.

In addition, committee members have discussed the writing of Lao language dictionaries, the history of Lao literature, and the translation of foreign literary texts for use in teaching and learning.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong, with the chairman of the advisory committee, the Lao language research committee and sub-committees exchanging views on various issues relating to the correct use of the Lao language.

Meeting participants reviewed the work involved in compiling an up-to-date Lao language dictionary and re-publishing a grammar book written by Phoummy Vongvichit.

They also discussed the publication of a book on Lao grammar, the alphabet, and studies on Lao literature written from 1986-2022.