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Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos? (Read 175623 times)
 
JSEA
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Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
2nd Apr, 2011 at 11:38am
 
Is there anything like this in Laos?

In Thailand people are sometimes called hi-so, or lo-so, meaning they're part of high society (or pretend to be), or low society.

I never noticed it in Laos, but I've only been there for about a week total (and just Vientiane). I'm curious because it really bothers me sometimes here. For example, I've had students see me eating Som Tam Thai (or Tam Lao), and khao nieow, and as they walk past they ask me "Sep ba?". Then they skitter off giggling thinking they made some really funny joke.

The other thing that I've read (but never experienced) is that sometimes if a farang is dating/married to someone who looks lo-so (i.e. darker skin), it can cause problems at work because the co-workers will look down on them.

So is there anything like this in Laos? I didn't really notice anything besides people liking lighter skin over darker skin (but that kinda goes for everywhere in Asia).

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« Last Edit: 2nd Apr, 2011 at 6:52pm by Admin Saovaluck »  
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JSEA
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Re: Ho-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #1 - 2nd Apr, 2011 at 1:57pm
 
andddd I just realized I said "ho-so" in the title of this thread, lmao. Sorry guys, it's meant to say hi-so.
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #2 - 2nd Apr, 2011 at 6:55pm
 
I have corrected it to "Hi-So" for you. Smiley

Many dark skinned women are happily married to their wonderful husbands in Laos, so not everybody looks at skin colour as an important feature.

The slang term "Hi-So" and "Lo-So" isn't really about one's skin colour, but more about how you act and also how much money you have.

Thailand even have a rock singer called "Sek Loso" for low society, and he made a name for himself.


poo-sao.jpg
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JSEA
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #3 - 2nd Apr, 2011 at 7:05pm
 
Haha, thanks Smiley

So you're saying it's not really an issue there?
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #4 - 2nd Apr, 2011 at 8:50pm
 
Everywhere in the world the rich look down on poor. There's high class and low class in Laos. But not as bad as Thailand. It's well known that Bangkok look down and oppressed Lao Isan. When they say "sep ba" when you eat kao niew and papaya salad they're trying of make fun of you.
Cool
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JSEA
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #5 - 2nd Apr, 2011 at 9:35pm
 
I know they're trying to make fun of me, that's why I said it bothered me Tongue

My small act of defiance is having a Lao flag patch stitched onto my bag that I bring to work, and drinking Beer Lao whenever possible.
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #6 - 2nd Apr, 2011 at 10:45pm
 
That's funny JSEA Grin. Some rich Lao also look down on other ethnic minority.
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #7 - 2nd Apr, 2011 at 10:49pm
 
Laos doesn't have any official 'class' systems anymore. We are all pinong. We use kinship terms when speaking or referring to each other, e.g. Brother/sister/uncle/aunty/granpa/grandma etc. You don't just go around calling someone by their name alone, like in the West; unless if they're your equal (same age range). I'm sure this is the same in Siam; but in Laos the extended family is very tight and impotant too!

I think they used to say 'kanoy'. I think it's some kind of royal thing but I have since forgoten the exact meaning. Since the Communist takeover Laos is now a republic. We are all equals. Wink
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #8 - 2nd Apr, 2011 at 10:57pm
 
Since the Communist takeover Laos is now a republic. We are all equals, poor and underdeveloped you mean. Just kidding.
Grin Grin Cheesy
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #9 - 3rd Apr, 2011 at 3:12am
 
JSEA, If a westerner is dating or married to someone who looks lo-so, I don't think their co-workers will look down on them in Laos. If they do, then so be it, and don't worry about them. Everybody's got eyes, ears and a nose.

There are more westerners than ever before in Laos, and interracial dating and marriages are on the rise.
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #10 - 3rd Apr, 2011 at 7:50am
 
Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 3:12am:
There are more westerners than ever before in Laos, and interracial dating and marriages are on the rise.


Is this good or bad? Huh
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #11 - 3rd Apr, 2011 at 8:45am
 
It depends on one's personal views. Is it good or bad for you?

I personally think it's good because most westerners based in Laos are educated people who are doing good for the country.
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #12 - 3rd Apr, 2011 at 8:53am
 
Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 8:45am:
It depends on one's personal views. Is it good or bad for you?

I personally think it's good because most westerners based in Laos are educated people who are doing good for the country.


It doesn't really concern me nang, since I don't reside in Laos.....yet.

How?

You don't really elaborate when giving your opinions.
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #13 - 3rd Apr, 2011 at 9:25am
 
Well, if you care about Laos then perhaps you have your own opinion too.
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Re: Hi-so, Lo-so in Laos?
Reply #14 - 3rd Apr, 2011 at 10:37am
 
Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 9:25am:
Well, if you care about Laos then perhaps you have your own opinion too.


Why do you keep doing this to me Valuck? Smiley
Why do you keep giving me these cryptic answers? This is akin to answering a question with another.
What am I to make of your answer?
My opinions in what regards?
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