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Your first Lao songs to discover more

Whether you want to expand your musical horizons or groove to some catchy tunes, this is a great introduction to different genres of Lao music.

We've recently compiled a list of Lao songs, from modern pop to traditional music. Whether you want to expand your musical horizons or groove to some catchy tunes, this is a great introduction to different genres of Lao music.

Laosongs

Why learn Lao from songs

  • You Pick What You Want to Listen: music naturally draws people in. Whether it's the rhythm, the melody, or the lyrics, you're more likely to repeat a song multiple times, without realizing you're reinforcing vocabulary and pronunciation.
  • Cultural Immersion: songs may provide insight into Lao culture. They help you understand how the language and culture are linked. This can make your learning deeper and richer.
  • Natural Language Usage: listening to Lao songs can introduce you to a wide range of vocabulary that you might not find in traditional Lao textbooks. This includes slang, colloquialisms, and regional dialects.
  • It’s Fun!: learning doesn't have to be limited to structured lessons alone. Incorporating enjoyable activities, like watching movies, adds a sense of pleasure and excitement! 

How to learn Lao from songs

  • Active Listening: pay close attention to the pronunciation and rhythm. Try to identify words you already know and look up those you don't.
  • Lyrics Reading: find the lyrics to the songs you're listening to. Read along as you listen. This will help you associate sounds with written words.
  • Sing Along: as you become familiar with the song, start singing along. This will help you practice pronunciation.
  • Translate: translate the song lyrics into your native language. This exercise will help in understanding the context and expanding vocabulary.
  • Discuss with Others: engage in discussions with fellow Lao learners or native speakers about the movie. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and exchange insights to gain different perspectives.
  • Implement Into your Daily Life: from your notes, try to use the words and phrases learnt from the songs in conversations with natives and surprise them.

List of Lao songs

While English subtitles for Lao songs are still limited, more are becoming available! Many recent popular songs now include English subtitles. If you're up for a challenge, you can translate your favorite songs yourself - our community is here to help you.

Most song lyrics can be found in the video descriptions, typically in Lao or Thai script for modern songs. Traditional songs often have an advantage - they usually display both Lao script and transliteration directly in the video.

Modern Songs (from upbeat to low key)

Laosongs

Upbeat

Traditional Beat

Laosongs

Lowkey

Traditional Songs (from upbeat to low key)

Laosongs

Upbeat

Lowkey

💡 Pro tip: You'll find a much larger selection of Lao songs on YouTube compared to Spotify.

Lao playlist

Laosongs

Looking for a curated playlist? Check out these songs selected by our community:

Translated Lao songs

I recommend following @la10906 on Instagram and TikTok. She has also created a Spotify playlist with +388 songs. She translates many Lao songs (including ones listed above) as her hobby and is super lovely.

Final Thoughts: Lao songs are more than just music

Music is a universal language that connects people across cultures, backgrounds, and generations. Hence songs can teach us new words and about the culture too; it can be a great learning tool! When you listen, sing, or read song words, you learn in a fun way. Every lyric sung is a word learned.

My top 3 all time favorite:

The best way to learn Lao

When it comes to learning a language, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each person is unique, and it takes a combination of various study techniques to succeed. However, immersing yourself in the Lao language as much as possible is an excellent starting point. The more you practice, the faster you'll progress.

While songs are a great way to learn Lao, it's important to know the fundamentals of the Lao language. This knowledge will enable you to pick up on context cues, appreciate humor, and understand cultural references portrayed in the movies. By combining these elements, you can actively engage with the material and enhance your learning experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable.

Happy listening!

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