Lao for Beginners - Second Edition Paperback – December 25, 2009

There are not a lot of choice in finding a book on learning Lao, but I think I made an excellent choice! This book covers many topics on writing, reading, and speaking the language in a great step-by-step method. Being a tonal language, I would STRONGLY advise purchasing the CD (still in the old packaging - but with new CD cover art).One part of the book I really took to heart was the advice to learn to read Lao and not become tied to the transliteration. However, my most enjoyable part is writing Lao onto various items and on labels around my home. I also have had a lot of fun practicing with my friends, some of whom are from the Isan region of Thailand and are familiar with Lao.

I am a lay linguist and I love Asian and Southeast Asian languages. When I saw this introduction to Lao (and remembered studying about Laos in seventh-grade Geography), I knew this was a book to get. Also, as a calligrapher, I loved the beautiful script. There are several books in the "for beginners" series (also languages as Vietnamese and Burmese). Get them all! This book walks you through the nuances (which can be challenging) of the Lao language. In addition to studying Lao, you can also watch cool online music videos by the Lao singer Alexandra. There are many perks to learning Lao.

Excellent coverage of basics for farang married into Lao family. As other reviewer noted audio CD would be great to get a handle on tones. Suggestions for next edition: Bigger font for Lao script ( ເປັນ ຄົນ ແກ່. ຕາ ບໍ່ ດີ ) Limit transliterated text to first chapter - it is distracting. Maybe some explanation into differences between Vientiane, Savanakhet, Pakse differences. Could even write another chapter on Thai Isan language and how that differs from straight up Lao vs. ภาษาไทยกรุงเทพฯ.

This book is excellent for the motivated beginner. I find the pronunciation guide and order of grammar rules easy to follow. I have not used the audio accompaniment which would probably help, but have worked with native speakers to clarify any tone questions. Can't wait to go to PDR Lao to try my language skills.

Audio CD sold separately - very annoying as learning a tonal language requires audio instruction.

I work with my Lao family. The vocab and sentence structure are good starting point. I have tried a few other Lao basics books. This one is the best... Wish I could find the CD that goes with it! (The Thai edition by the same author came with one and it was great help)

Good book. Haven't started the learning but guess I have to read and practice first. :)

The most useful of the books I have to teach myself Lao