The Attitudes of Lao Americans towards the French Language and Culture

Abstract

EN : The current pilot study looks to record the attitudes of the Lao population (specifically Lao-Americans) towards the French language and culture by observing trends found in the research population. With data collection tools such as an online survey and participant interviews, we were able to gather information regarding sociolinguistic factors such as age, gender and linguistic contact and determine how and/or if these factors influence the attitudes of our research population. The results of this study show that overall, the French language does not play a role in the lives of Lao Americans. However, the results also show that older participants generally have more positive feelings towards the French language and culture compared to the younger generation. A modified, more in-depth version of this pilot study is to be done in order to more accurately assess the attitudes of Lao Americans as well as those of the global Lao population.