This blog combines practical tips for staying motivated with guidance on embracing your dialectal accent because learning Lao is about progress, not perfection.

Why it’s okay to have a different dialect

Many of our students that join Lao English School come with many limiting beliefs:

• Am I pronouncing the word _____ wrong?
• What if my peers will judge me?

Having a different dialectal accent is perfectly fine and you can thrive despite it. Learning a new language is an exciting journey, but it's natural to have concerns about pronunciations and having the proper accent.

Lao is a very tonal language therefore, it is necessary to pronounce words correctly. However, many fluent Lao speakers are still able to understand what it is you are trying to emphasize through the context of the situation.

How to navigate these challenges confidently

✔️ DO: Acknowledge that it is okay to have a different dialectal accent; we all have accents

Accents are a natural part of learning any language. Not only do they reflect your unique background but your accent always emphasizes a great part of your personal language journey. Remember, everyone has an accent. Depending on the demographic situation, others may be more adherent to a particular accent, it's all a normal aspect of communication.

✖️ DON’T: Feel discouraged if you haven’t made progress

Learning a language is a gradual process and progress might seem slow at times. It’s important to not let temporary setbacks discourage you. Celebrate the small victories.

✔️ DO: Remain persistent when learning and practicing Lao

Consistency is key to learning languages. Regular practice can help improve your pronunciation and fluency. Keep engaging with the language through practicing, speaking and listening conversationally - you’ll see improvement in no time.

✖️ DON’T: Compare yourself to your other Lao learning peers; we’re all on our own unique journeys

Everyone learns differently and at their own pace. We all have different strengths and areas of improvement. Comparing yourself to others can be counterproductive and can distract you from your initial goal: to master Lao fluency.

How to stay motivated while learning Lao

There are several ways to stay motivated while learning a language. It’s important to note why you began your learning journey, regardless if you are looking to connect with other Lao speakers or looking to pick up a new hobby. Firstly, we must understand that one person's technique may not work for another person- to each their own. Therefore, motivation begins with you.

Here are a list of tips to stay persistent:

• Place sticky notes around your home to recall your vocabulary
• Set a scheduled time to practice
• Practice with another person
• Watching Tv shows or listening to music in Lao
• The blurting method: writing as much information you can recall, then reviewing your notes on what you may have forgotten

And the list goes on. While there are many ways to stay motivated, it is necessary to always take breaks & remember why you started learning Lao. Make sure to celebrate your progress. Patience is key, learning Lao should be fun.

Conclusion

Again, having a different dialectal accent is a natural part of the learning process. Embrace your accent, stay persistent in learning Lao, and remember that everyone’s journey is unique. By focusing on your own personal goals, you’ll become more confident and proficient in Lao. Do not let temporary setbacks impact your original motives!

Happy learning.

Join our private community for Lao learners

If you’re looking for a safe space to practice your Lao and get all your questions answered in a judgment-free zone, this community was built for you. Join our Lao Community to explore a growing collection of tools, content, and recommendations to support your Lao journey.