Laoseng in Laos

People Name:	Laoseng
Country:	Laos
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	12,000
World Population:	12,000
Primary Language:	Tareng
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.50 %
Evangelicals:	0.50 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Mon-Khmer
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Laoseng are a Mon-Khmer speaking group. What makes the Laoseng unique in northern Laos is that their language is from the Katuic branch of Mon-Khmer. The other Katuic groups are in southern and central Laos. It is possible the Laoseng were a group from southern Laos who were forcibly relocated to the north some time ago.

The Mon-Khmer groups in Laos, including the Laoseng, are recognized as the original inhabitants of the country by the Lao. This fact is confirmed by the inclusion of a Mon-Khmer leader in the pre-1975 New Year rituals performed in the royal capital, Luang Prabang.

The Laoseng are also known as the Tareng, or Tariang. They are not related, however, to the Talieng people of southern Laos.

The Laoseng people live in the northernmost province in Laos, Phongsali. They inhabit villages within the Samphan, Phongsali and Mai districts, near the Chinese border.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Mon-Khmer groups in northern Laos, including the Laoseng, have round drums with pictures of three frogs on the top. Usually, pictures or carvings of two large elephants and one small elephant are on the side. Most of the Laoseng people earn their living as farmers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like most animistic peoples, the Laoseng depend on the spirit world for their needs. They do not know about Jehovah Jireh, the Provider.

What Are Their Needs?

Thousands of years after the unique Laoseng people arrived in Laos, most have yet to hear the gospel for the first time.

Prayer Points

Pray the little-known Laoseng people would soon have the chance to accept or reject Christ as Lord of their lives.

Pray Khmu believers would travel to the Laoseng and witness to them.

Ask God to raise up linguists to produce evangelistic material in the Laoseng language.

Pray for spiritual hunger among the Laoseng people that will lead to a movement to Christ.