The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the United States Department of State has classified Lao as a “moderately difficult” language for native English speakers to learn. It falls under Category III, alongside languages such as Hungarian, Russian, and Thai.
Based on decades of research and experience training American diplomats, the FSI’s research noted that Category III languages typically involve significant linguistic and cultural differences from English.
Learners usually require about 44 weeks, or approximately 1,100 classroom hours, to achieve professional working proficiency in Lao.
Other Category III languages include Hindi, Vietnamese, and Thai. Lao and Thai, in particular, are often compared due to their similarities, they are both tonal languages, have related writing systems, and share similar grammar and vocabulary.
However, while Thai is often considered more accessible for self-learners thanks to the wide availability of learning materials, Lao presents an additional challenge due to the relative scarcity of study resources outside of Laos.
As a result, learners often benefit more from immersive experiences, such as studying the language within Laos. Some report that, in a native environment, Lao can even be slightly easier to learn than Thai.
The FSI also designates a Category IV, which includes Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean.
These languages are regarded as exceptionally difficult for English speakers, typically requiring 88 weeks or 2,200 classroom hours to master. Contributing factors include unfamiliar writing systems, such as Chinese characters and Japanese kanji, tonal pronunciation, and complex grammar structures.
The FSI’s language classification system is widely used as a practical guide for English speakers, particularly those pursuing careers in diplomacy, international development, or global business.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Language-Ranked-Moderately-Difficult-by-US-Foreign-Service-Institute.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-06-18 05:50:002025-06-05 17:52:09Lao Language Ranked ‘Moderately Difficult’ by US Foreign Service Institute
China has introduced a new “ASEAN Visa” for citizens of the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and observer Timor-Leste, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced at a press briefing on 3 June.
Lin explained that the visa will be available to business personnel from these countries, along with their spouses and children, allowing multiple entries over five years and stays of up to 180 days.
The move builds on China’s existing visa exemption deals with countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as the “Lancang-Mekong Visa” for Mekong River nations, aiming to boost regional travel and cooperation.
The announcement came as China began granting unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay on 1 June, expanding such access to 43 countries in total. China has also recently opened visa-free travel to all Gulf Cooperation Council nations.
According to Lin, these policies reflect China’s commitment to openness and fostering global cooperation.
In the first quarter, over 9 million foreigners entered China, up more than 40 percent year on year, while over 18,000 foreign-invested firms were established in the first four months, a 12.1 percent increase.
Looking ahead, Lin said China plans to further improve its entry policies and expand the list of visa-free countries. He noted that the aim is to enable more international visitors to benefit from China’s improved product supply, broader consumption choices, and better services.
Vietnam will begin offering Lao as one of eight foreign languages in its general education curriculum, starting with a pilot program in schools located near the Laos–Vietnam border.
Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son announced the initiative during a meeting with Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh on 2 June. He stated that the government is currently preparing the necessary conditions to include Lao among the foreign languages taught in general education schools across Vietnam, alongside English, Russian, French, Chinese, German, Japanese, and Korean.
The pilot program will initially focus on schools in provinces along the border and will expand as more qualified Lao language teachers become available.
Minister Son expressed hope that Laos would support the initiative by providing textbooks, helping train teachers, and assisting with curriculum development—particularly materials that highlight the special historical ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, Vietnam also proposed that Laos consider including Vietnamese as an optional subject in its high school graduation exam. It further suggested the use of Vietnamese textbooks in schools where appropriate.
Ambassador Ernthavanh welcomed the proposals and expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s continued support in expanding educational opportunities for Lao students. She also emphasized the importance of stronger school management and more extracurricular activities to enhance the student learning experience.
According to the Lao Embassy in Hanoi, nearly 11,000 Lao students studied in Vietnam during the last academic year.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Vietnam-to-Introduce-Lao-Language-in-General-Education-Near-Border-Areas-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-06-16 05:44:002025-06-05 17:46:11Vietnam to Introduce Lao Language in General Education Near Border Areas
Lao Language Ranked ‘Moderately Difficult’ by US Foreign Service Institute
The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the United States Department of State has classified Lao as a “moderately difficult” language for native English speakers to learn. It falls under Category III, alongside languages such as Hungarian, Russian, and Thai.
Based on decades of research and experience training American diplomats, the FSI’s research noted that Category III languages typically involve significant linguistic and cultural differences from English.
Learners usually require about 44 weeks, or approximately 1,100 classroom hours, to achieve professional working proficiency in Lao.
Other Category III languages include Hindi, Vietnamese, and Thai. Lao and Thai, in particular, are often compared due to their similarities, they are both tonal languages, have related writing systems, and share similar grammar and vocabulary.
However, while Thai is often considered more accessible for self-learners thanks to the wide availability of learning materials, Lao presents an additional challenge due to the relative scarcity of study resources outside of Laos.
As a result, learners often benefit more from immersive experiences, such as studying the language within Laos. Some report that, in a native environment, Lao can even be slightly easier to learn than Thai.
The FSI also designates a Category IV, which includes Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean.
These languages are regarded as exceptionally difficult for English speakers, typically requiring 88 weeks or 2,200 classroom hours to master. Contributing factors include unfamiliar writing systems, such as Chinese characters and Japanese kanji, tonal pronunciation, and complex grammar structures.
The FSI’s language classification system is widely used as a practical guide for English speakers, particularly those pursuing careers in diplomacy, international development, or global business.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/05/lao-language-ranked-moderately-difficult-by-us-foreign-service-institute/
China Launches Multi-Entry ‘ASEAN Visa’ to Boost Regional Ties
China has introduced a new “ASEAN Visa” for citizens of the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and observer Timor-Leste, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced at a press briefing on 3 June.
Lin explained that the visa will be available to business personnel from these countries, along with their spouses and children, allowing multiple entries over five years and stays of up to 180 days.
The move builds on China’s existing visa exemption deals with countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as the “Lancang-Mekong Visa” for Mekong River nations, aiming to boost regional travel and cooperation.
The announcement came as China began granting unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay on 1 June, expanding such access to 43 countries in total. China has also recently opened visa-free travel to all Gulf Cooperation Council nations.
According to Lin, these policies reflect China’s commitment to openness and fostering global cooperation.
In the first quarter, over 9 million foreigners entered China, up more than 40 percent year on year, while over 18,000 foreign-invested firms were established in the first four months, a 12.1 percent increase.
Looking ahead, Lin said China plans to further improve its entry policies and expand the list of visa-free countries. He noted that the aim is to enable more international visitors to benefit from China’s improved product supply, broader consumption choices, and better services.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/05/china-launches-multi-entry-asean-visa-to-boost-regional-ties/
Vietnam to Introduce Lao Language in General Education Near Border Areas
Vietnam will begin offering Lao as one of eight foreign languages in its general education curriculum, starting with a pilot program in schools located near the Laos–Vietnam border.
Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son announced the initiative during a meeting with Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh on 2 June. He stated that the government is currently preparing the necessary conditions to include Lao among the foreign languages taught in general education schools across Vietnam, alongside English, Russian, French, Chinese, German, Japanese, and Korean.
The pilot program will initially focus on schools in provinces along the border and will expand as more qualified Lao language teachers become available.
Minister Son expressed hope that Laos would support the initiative by providing textbooks, helping train teachers, and assisting with curriculum development—particularly materials that highlight the special historical ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, Vietnam also proposed that Laos consider including Vietnamese as an optional subject in its high school graduation exam. It further suggested the use of Vietnamese textbooks in schools where appropriate.
Ambassador Ernthavanh welcomed the proposals and expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s continued support in expanding educational opportunities for Lao students. She also emphasized the importance of stronger school management and more extracurricular activities to enhance the student learning experience.
According to the Lao Embassy in Hanoi, nearly 11,000 Lao students studied in Vietnam during the last academic year.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/03/vietnam-to-introduce-lao-language-in-general-education-near-border-areas/