|
The Society was established in 1991 with the
objectives of:
(1) encouraging studies on Laos and people
originating from Laos in different parts of the
world; and
(2) disseminating quality information in these
two areas through publications, talks, seminars
and conferences. Although based in Australia,
the Society has an international focus.
The Lao Studies Review aims to share research
results and academic writings relevant to
members, researchers, scholars, other people and
institutions with an interest in Laos and Lao
communities living in different parts of the
world. The Review is an occasional publication,
depending on when enough contributions are
available.
The Society would like to obtain contributions
for the Review from anyone who is presently
engaged in research on Laos (agriculture,
commerce, religion, education, technology,
economic development, law, forestry, industries,
etc..) or Lao people (Lao, Hmong, Imien, Khmu
and others) living in Laos and other countries.
Communications on research findings, theses,
books and short publications from authors and
publishers would be appreciated for review or
mention in the Lao Studies Review.
One of the lowest population
densities in Asia, at 19 persons per square km,
and an estimated population of only 5.4 million
people, belies the fact that Laos is home to 68
different ethnic groups. These fall into three
groupings, based upon language, culture and
traditions. The fertile Mekong River valley and
lowland plains are where 68% of the total
population live and this group is classified as
the Lao Loam.
The mountainous slopes of Laos
are inhabited by the Lao Thing, who make up 22%
of the country's population. The Lao Soung
(Mountain Lao), including Hmong (or Meo) and Yao
(or Mien) tribes peoples make up a further 9% of
the Laos population, while the remaining 1% are
ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese.
Language
A member of the Tai Kadai (or just Kadai)
language group, Lao is tonal, very similar to
its Thai cousin. In fact there are more Lao
speakers in Thailand's northeastern border lands
of Isaan than there are in Laos. The two
languages are so similar that Thai television
and radio have become very popular among the Lao
people.
 Religion
First introduced by Mon Buddhist monks, Buddhism
became widely popular in the fourteenth century
when the
Theravada form was promoted by Fa
Ngoum with the arrival of the country's
palladium - the golden Pra Bang Buddha image.
Today, Buddhism is the religion
of 90% of the country's 5.4 million people, and
its overall influence upon the daily lives of
the Lao people has been little altered by the
strictures of the Communist government. In fact,
the Lao government has never opposed observance
of the religion and has used many of its
teachings to support its political goals. With
the political and economic reforms of the
mid-80s, Buddhism is once again flourishing. The
Vientiane-based That Luang festival - reduced to
a three day religious observance during the
first decade of Communist control - has expanded
into a full week's celebration with a huge fair,
concerts, and sound and light shows.
|
