uarerii replied to your post:
Actually, I’m pretty much sure Kha noi is not really used anymore in Laos, if not banned. It is only still used outside of Laos. When you look at recent book on Lao language, there is no sign of Kha noi. Also, never have I heard someone in Laos say Kha noi. As for Kha pha jao, always based on recent Lao language book, it is used in Official relations, as in/between formal and important status/event. I’d say that Kha pha jao is the new Kha noi. But at the same time, both are used outside of Laos. So my guess is that Kha noi is more about politeness between people of different age, status (i.e. monk and non-monk), while Kha pha jao is more about being formal, mostly in event where there is a large public. (Politeness and formal have a slight difference) That’s my guess for the use of both terms among Lao people OUTSIDE of Laos. But I am 99% sure Kha noi is not used anymore in Laos. And I’m basing that on my Lao language book and own experience. I shall ask my dad tomorrow for confirmation. Haha
kaybear619 replied to your post:
I think that kha pha jao is used mostly in legal documents or papers. It’s more written language than verbal. For professionalism?
Okay, I’m back some some confirmation! “Kha noi” is still use daily in Laos. It was banned after 1975 since it has connection to the old royal language, but now has returned. You’re right about “kha pha jao”! But it is only strictly use in ceremonies and when addressing government officials during speeches for example. So it would be really professional, yes. uarerii, you pretty much hit it on the nail with the politeness and formal part!
