Lao Theung

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Lao Theung, addressing different aspects related to this person/topic/date. From his impact on society to his relevance in popular culture, through his most notable achievements and the challenges he has faced throughout his career. In addition, we will analyze his influence in specific areas such as technology, politics, art, science, among others. Through this article, we seek to provide a comprehensive and enriching vision of Lao Theung, inviting the reader to reflect and deepen their knowledge of this exciting topic.

Lao Theung
Images of the Lao Theung (right) with the Lao Soung and the Lao Loum
Total population
~2 million (est.)
Regions with significant populations
Laos
Languages
various Austroasiatic languages
Religion
Satsana Phi

The Lao Theung or Lao Thoeng (Lao: ລາວເທິງ pronounced [láːw tʰɤ́ːŋ]) is one of the traditional divisions of ethnic groups living in Laos (the others being the Lao Loum and the Lao Soung). It literally indicates the "midland Lao", and comprises a variety of different ethnic groups of mostly Austro-Asiatic origin. In 1993, the Lao Theung formed 24% of the country's population.[1]

History

Lao Theung are largely of Mon-Khmer stock, and are believed to be the autochthonous population of mainland Southeast Asia, having migrated south in pre-historical time.[2][3] Their legendary origin is related in the "Pumpkin Story" in James McCarthy's account of 1894. Although they now live in the higher uplands of Laos, they were originally paddy rice farmers, until displaced by the influx of Lao Loum migration into southeast Asia from Southern China. See upland rice farmers' challenges.[4] [5] [6]

Culture

Within Laos, the Lao Theung are sometimes referred to by the pejorative term khaa (Lao: ຂ້າ), meaning "slave", reflecting the fact that they were traditionally used for labour by the lowland Lao.[7] Midland Lao still have a lower standard of living than other ethnic groups.

See also

References

  1. ^ Laurence Lemaire. Chez les génies des terres rouges.Gavroche Thaïlande.64. July 1999. https://www.gavroche-thailande.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Gavroche-1999-Jul..pdf. p.55-56. Archived January 30, 2025, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Martin Stuart-Fox: Historical Dictionary of Laos. 3. Auflage, Scarecrow Press, Lanham (MD)/Plymouth 2008, S. 191, Eintrag Lao Theung.
  3. ^ Jan Ovesen: All Lao? Minorities in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. In: Christopher R. Duncan: Civilizing the Margins. Southeast Asian Government Policies for the Development of Minorities. NUS Press, Singapur 2008, S. 216.
  4. ^ Stratification in the peopling of China: how far does the linguistic evidence match genetics and archaeology? Roger Blench. June 6, 2004
  5. ^ Lao Theung Minority Rights Group. Archived May 1, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Paul Sidwell (2005). The Katuic languages: classification, reconstruction and comparative lexicon Archived 2020-12-04 at the Wayback Machine. LINCOM studies in Asian linguistics, 58. Muenchen: Lincom Europa. ISBN 3-89586-802-7
  7. ^ Murdoch, John B. (1974). "The 1901-1902 Holy Man's Rebellion" (free). Journal of the Siam Society. JSS Vol.62.1 (digital). Siam Heritage Trust: image 2. Retrieved April 2, 2013. Footnote 8) "Kha" is the common, though somewhat pejorative, term used for the Austroasiatic tribal people of Northeast Thailand, Laos, and Viet-nam. I use it here because it is common parlance in the literature and for lack of a better term.
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