Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to Laos, its people, or their culture: Describes anything originating from or associated with the country of Laos or its inhabitants.

2. Noun:

   • A native or inhabitant of Laos: A person from Laos.
   • A member of the Lao ethnic group: Specifically refers to a person belonging to the predominant Buddhist ethnic group of Laos, also inhabiting parts of Thailand, who speak the Lao language.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The Laotian embassy issued a new travel advisory.
  • She is studying traditional Laotian weaving techniques.
• Noun:
  • The Laotian explained the significance of the festival.
  • Many Laotians live along the Mekong River.

Advanced Usage

• Used in anthropological, cultural, and political contexts to specify national or ethnic origin.
  • The study focused on Laotian migration patterns in the late 20th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Lao (adj. & n.): Often used interchangeably with "Laotian," though "Lao" can more specifically refer to the ethnic group and language, while "Laotian" is the standard term for nationality.
  • The Lao language is tonal.
• Laotian as a demonym: The standard term for a citizen of Laos, regardless of ethnicity.

Synonyms

• Lao (when referring to ethnicity or language)
• (For the noun) Citizen of Laos, Lao person

Notes on Meaning

• The term primarily denotes nationality (of Laos). The ethnic meaning is specific to the Lao people, who are closely related to the Thai.
• It is correctly used as both a noun and an adjective. The adjectival form is always "Laotian," not "Laosian."

Adjective

1. of or relating to Laos or its people
   • the Laotian Prime Minister
   • Laotian refugees

Noun

1. a member of a Buddhist people inhabiting the area of the Mekong River in Laos and Thailand and speaking the Lao language; related to the Thais