The Lao language has it's own scripture which is consider syllabic. It was originally derived from old Khmer & Pali (Theravada Buddhism) scriptures. In relation to the Lao language origins stemming from the Tai-Kadai Language family, Lao independently is different to other Tai-Kadai dialects/languages in the Southeast Asian region. This is a result of political reasoning rather than linguistical. Lao is generally monosyllabic in word usages and uses tones to distinguish between words that are otherwise pronounced similarly.
Do note that there is no official Roman transliteration convention for Lao. Therefore, we cannot technically translate Lao writing to other language accurately.
However, due to our history of French colonization in the past, Lao normally follows French orthographic conventions. In which is why Roman transliterations may differ between French and English.
References:
- Google Groups Conversation - LAO SCRIPT: The Origin of Lao Writing System
- Britannica - Lao Language
Pali Scripture
Old Khmer Scripture
FYI, Lao passports & visas are good examples of French conventions being utilized for Romanization.
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