In today's article, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Lao Theung, exploring its origins, evolution and relevance today. Lao Theung has been a topic of interest and debate for decades, capturing the attention of academics, experts and enthusiasts alike. As we dive into this analysis, we will examine the various aspects that make up Lao Theung, from its historical aspects to its impact on modern society. Through this exploration, we hope to shed light on the different aspects that make Lao Theung a fascinating and relevant topic in the contemporary world.
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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.
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. 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.
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. Midland Lao still have a lower standard of living than other ethnic groups.
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.