The Lao language is the official language of Laos and is spoken by the majority of its population. It belongs to the Tai-Kadai language family and is closely related to Thai, sharing many similarities in vocabulary and grammar. Lao is written using a script derived from the Brahmi script, which is used in several other Southeast Asian languages. Lao is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch used when pronouncing a word can change its meaning. There are six tones in standard Lao, which can make it challenging for learners. The language plays a crucial role in the cultural identity of the Lao people and is used in government, education, and media.