Losing "Thai" accent when I speak Lao

[pasalao]

I realize this is a Thai language forum, however Lao is closely related to Thai, some would argue they are dialects of the same language (for example the Isan "dialect" of northeastern Thailand, which is basically Lao from what I can hear). Anyway, I lived in Thailand for many years before learning Lao, and learned Thai first, speaking it on and off for many years. When I started learning Lao it was fairly easy for me because of the similarities to Thai, so much so that I really thought myself good at speaking Lao. However, recently Lao people have told me I speak Lao with a "Thai" accent, or even complementing my Thai when I am using words that are exclusively Lao. Is there any way to lose my "Thai" accent when speaking Lao? Any tips? Does anybody else have any experience with this? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

[bdenner]

Good on you for getting as far as you have. Obviously I can't help you but only wish I could.

Me, I use the Isaan/Lao influence for my pathetic excuse for not being able to learn the Thai language. After 15 years living in an average village, just South of the Mekong, in Udon Thani Provence - I've given up.

[pasalao]

bdenner, yes I wish I had learned Isan/Lao first, much more fun language in my opinion and I wouldn't have to "unlearn" my "Thai" accent...in any event I think my Thai is passable at best, I studied Lao in a course but Thai was "learn by doing", so no way to unlearn without the help of a trained language pathologist? Is it common for people who learn a language then another related language to carry the accent of the first one they learned to the next? When I call people on the phone here in Laos I get tired of "er...are you Thai?" I am using 100% Lao vocabulary, at least with words where there are differences between the 2. A Lao speech pathologist? True, good luck!

[pasalao]

btw bdenner, if you came to Vientiane they'd be convinced you were a local and commend your mastery of "proper" Lao!

[bdenner]

Oh! Sorry if I confused you and don't get me wrong. I'm using that as an excuse as I have no Idea what the 3 different dialects are all about:- Lao, Isaan, Thai.

My very worse, basics can get me into a Taxi in either Bangkok or Vientiane and find/direct the driver to my destination.

Edited November 18, 2015 by bdenner

[pasalao]

Udon and Vientiane dialect of Lao are considered the same, central Lao. Though people in Udon might call it pasa Isan, the language is mutually interchangeable with the exception of some minor vocabulary differences, for example guay teow for noodles in Udon, foe in Vientiane.