Lao Value in Script Unicode Property
Lao is an abugida script used primarily for writing the Lao language, the official language of Laos, as well as for some minority languages in the region. It is closely related to the Thai script, from which it diverged centuries ago, and features a rounded, cursive appearance due to its historical inscribing on palm leaves. The script includes 27 consonants, 33 vowels (represented as diacritics, preposed, or postposed marks), and tone marks, with vowels written around the consonant cluster in a non-linear fashion. Lao is written left to right, with no spaces between words, though spaces and punctuation separate phrases or sentences. Its character inventory handles the phonemic distinctions of Lao, including its six tones, and also incorporates numeric digits. The script’s usage has been standardized, and it serves as a key cultural marker for Lao identity, with digital support enabling its use in modern computing and communication.