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Problems for Learners in Laos: Laos is a country with a lot of beauty, but also has had setbacks for many reasons that can make it more difficult to learn English as a foreign language there. There are many factors that play into the issues of teaching English in Laos. Some of those problems learners in Laos face are related to economic issues, some are related to government issues, and others are affected by the disadvantage of having a mother tongue so different to the English language. Laos is a country that has often been caught in between rival states, causing damage to the country, turmoil and instability (Mansfield 3). This often forgotten but rich cultured country is one of the world’s poorest countries(Mansfield 35). “The per capita income is just over US$300 a year” (Mansfield 35). This economic impoverishment naturally affects the students in the country. They may have issues being able to afford the text books or other resources they may need to purchase. They may have problems finding opportunities to learn English, or finding the time to learn the language. Also because of the economic state of Laos, while Lao people can still learn English, they won’t always have the same readily available access to resources that other countries may have. Those resources can include but are not limited to; lack of book selection, not all learners having access to computers, or Wi-Fi, not all having access to electricity to work on their studies after dark and not have access to online translators/videos to use as a resource. Due to economic distress in Laos, the country also has low literacy levels which can set them back in some ways to learn English (Mansfield 57). With Laotians not knowing how to read or write in their own language, nor at times having much formal school training at all can present some challenges in their learning. Another problems English learners in Laos face is the issues related to their government. The Lao government has a Marxist-Leninist political view, being a communist government can make resources limited at times (Mansfield 31). While foreign relations have improved drastically over the past few years, it’s government system can still have potential ramifications on the English learners of the country. It can be more difficult to get certain resources in a communist/socialist government. Not as many countries will do foreign trade with them, limiting their resource selection. With the government being impoverished and having socialized health care, the health care in Laos is still not up to par. With little health care options, people frequently sick in Laos can be common and interfere with their ability to focus on learning English. The most direct problem that can hinder the Lao people from learning English is that their native tongue is nothing like English. The Roman alphabet is completely foreign to them and Lao is nothing like any Latin rooted language. This means it can take people from Lao longer just to be familiar with the letters in the English language, and how to properly write/pronounce them. Lao people also speak a tonal language which is drastically different than the English language. All these problems are hurdles many (but not all Lao people) face, but they are obstacles that with the right motivation and persistence cannot hinder Lao people from learning English. Lao people are known for being resilient and resourceful. When they apply those traits to learning English there is nothing they cannot learn!
