Laotian vs. Lao — What's the Difference?

Laotian encompasses all things related to the country of Laos, including its culture, people, and language. It's a broader term used in English to describe nationality or anything pertaining to Laos as a nation. On the other hand, Lao specifically refers to the largest ethnic group within Laos and the Tai-Kadai language spoken by this group. While both terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, their implications differ slightly depending on the context.

Laotian culture is diverse, reflecting the ethnic diversity of the country, which includes multiple groups beyond the Lao people. Whereas, Lao culture specifically refers to the traditions, practices, and beliefs of the Lao ethnic group. This distinction is important when discussing cultural practices or traditions specific to the Lao people as opposed to the broader multicultural aspect of the entire country.

When talking about the language, Laotian is sometimes used to refer to the official language of Laos, which is Lao. However, Lao is the more accurate term for the language, reflecting its direct association with the Lao people. While both terms can be used to describe the national language, using "Lao" avoids confusion with other minority languages spoken in Laos.

In terms of cuisine, Laotian cuisine refers to the food of Laos as a whole, encompassing dishes and culinary practices of all ethnic groups within the country. In contrast, Lao cuisine would specifically denote the traditional dishes and food preparation methods of the Lao people, highlighting the nuance between national and ethnic culinary traditions.

Regarding identity, Laotian can describe anyone from Laos, regardless of their ethnic background, serving as a national identifier. Lao, however, specifically signifies belonging or relating to the Lao ethnic group, offering a more precise identity marker within the broader Laotian context.