I've never been the recipient of a vai nor have I vaied anyone. I haven't seen anyone in NZ vai. I only hang around with those in my age range. The elders probably do it, but I've never seen it.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 13^th May, 2011 at 7:41pm:


No, I haven't. In NZ we usually just bounce our eyebrows. 

I can't even remember being taught how to. But, I do remember as a child, going to the Vat and doing a half vai. (one hand raised, while the other is being adorned with a white string. ) That doesn't count though, right?

How often do you vai and who to?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 13^th May, 2011 at 10:36pm:




I've never seen ANY Lao raised in NZ vai.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 13^th May, 2011 at 10:36pm:


Whenever I talk to my father's friends, I treat them as I would my own. I even slap them on their shoulders after a joke ot two (I know this is khaluum in our culture, but they don't seem to mind. )

I used to stoop when walking past elders, too. After my adolescent years, I just thought: to hell with this. I no longer go out of my way to 'impress' others; only in 'formal' situations e.g. at a Lao function/wedding etc. then do those conservative mannerisms come out.

How often would you vai in a day? When you vai to your parents's friends, is that just a one off? Like, when you first meet them? Also, do you have to call them 'Uncle' or 'Aunty'?

Never heard of the term 'vai'.  Is this a northern Laos thing?

'Sabaidee' sounds better. 'Wai' translates to 'hurry'?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 14^th May, 2011 at 3:17am:


NOT TRUE!!! Most are very understanding. They know we're not 'full' Lao. I never came across any snobbery in Laos. Even when I was at the Vat, i answered the monk with a grunt, until my cousins told me to reply with 'doiy'. I think the monk laughed!

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 14^th May, 2011 at 3:17am:


What factors?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 14^th May, 2011 at 3:17am:


Again. NOT TRUE!!!

Poh Loong and Mae Paa also translate to 'Aunty' and 'Uncle'. They are used if YOUR parents are younger than their friends.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 14^th May, 2011 at 4:40am:


You suppose? You suppose?

'Aow' or 'Ar' is "Unlce' or "Aunty' on your paternal side.

'Nabao' or 'Nasao' is  'Uncle' or 'Aunty' on your maternal side of the family tree.

Why don't YOU - of all people - not know this? You should be educating ME!

Is this 'site a fraud? Is this 'site even registerd in Laos? Are YOU even IN Laos - let alone stepped foot there? Is this 'site registered offshore, in, say.......New York, adjacent to the St Luke's Pentecoastal Church?

Prove to me you're actually in Laos!