laotian
UK[ˈlaʊʃ(ə)n]US[ˈlaʊʃ(ə)n]
adj
Of or relating to Laos, its people, or their language.
n
A native or inhabitant of Laos.
n
The Tai language of Laos.
Etymology
The term "Laotian" originates from the French colonial designation "Laotien," which itself derives from "Laos," the name of the Southeast Asian country. The name "Laos" is believed to come from the Lao word "Lao" (ລາວ), an ethnic self-designation, possibly related to an ancient term meaning "a common person" or "human being." The English suffix "-ian," of Latin origin via French, is a common adjectival and nominal suffix meaning "belonging to" or "relating to." Thus, "Laotian" linguistically constructs the concept of "belonging to Laos," following a standard pattern for forming demonyms in English, such as "Italian" or "Canadian."
Analysis
The word is a proper adjective/noun derived from the name of the country "Laos" with the addition of the English suffix "-ian". It is not segmentable into meaningful morphemes based on the original spelling "laotian" without reconstructing the base form "Laos".
Examples
The Laotian cuisine features sticky rice and flavorful herbs.
She is a Laotian who moved to the United States as a child.
He is studying Laotian to better communicate with his relatives in Vientiane.