Lao-English/English-Lao Dictionary and Phrasebook (Dictionary & Phrasebook) [Paperback]

James Higbie (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dictionary & Phrasebook | Publication Date: June 2001

Lao is spoken in Laos and northeastern Thailand, where it is called 'Isan'. Focusing on the main dialect of the Lao PDR, this is the first Lao dictionary to present the correct Ventiane pronunciation. As one of the few Lao/English dictionaries available, the English-Lao section has been expanded for English speakers seeking such a reference. The phrasebook, also including pronunciation, provides cultural and language tips for the traveller.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: Lao, English

About the Author

James Higbie

Product Details

• Paperback: 207 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781808588
• ISBN-13: 978-0781808583
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 3.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #394,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Thai
  • #91 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Southeast Asian

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Phrasebook for Lao, December 29, 2002

By 

"kipukagraphics" (Pahoa, HI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lao-English/English-Lao Dictionary and Phrasebook (Dictionary & Phrasebook) (Paperback)

I think this is the best phrasebook I've seen for the Lao language. I've used it on several trips to Laos and shared it with some Lao friends in America. They were very impressed that the sentences were written as they really say them, not like you see in a textbook. The book is from a New York publisher of language books that publishes books with high standards.

Other good things I found about the book:

1. It has a clear, concise grammar section
2. the selection of words and topics is comprehensive
3. the book is arranged in a way that is very easy to use
4. the introductory description of Lao is interesting and informative

I'd also like to say that the pronunciation system is the easiest I've seen. Tones are marked by lines that show the direction, which makes pronunciation a lot more clear than other books (this is also a problem with Thai). While there is no Lao script in the book the pronunciation can be figured out from the pronunciation chart in the front of the book. I think this book would be useful for people studying Lao, not only for travellers. Thank you Mr. Higbie for a creating a wonderful contribution to my library of S.E.Asian language books.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally a good phrasebook for Lao!!, January 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Lao-English/English-Lao Dictionary and Phrasebook (Dictionary & Phrasebook) (Paperback)

After struggling with inadequate phrasebooks when I was learning Lao a few years ago, I am really glad to finally see a decent one available! Mr. Higbie's phrasebook is great for beginners because it clearly marks the direction of the tones in a way which is easy for people who have no experience with tonal languages to understand. Placing words which have the same phonetic pronounciation but different tones together in the dictionary section really simplifies the language for travellers ('close' and 'far' for example sound the same, with different tones). While living and working in rural Lao for 3 years, I needed to learn to read and write in Lao script, but this is not necessary for travellers. The book is great for anyone wanting to communicate easily and quickly in Lao. Mr. Higbie presents the language as it is spoken in daily life. This book is my first choice and will be the one I recomend to anyone I know going to Lao.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource, July 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Lao-English/English-Lao Dictionary and Phrasebook (Dictionary & Phrasebook) (Paperback)

Go to Laos. Meet new people. Use this book to converse/arrange boat rides/get around.

This book provides an essential resource for travellers to Laos. I would definitely advocate visiting this beautiful country, and when you go, you should bring along this book! James Higbie has made it easy to learn Lao.