Center for Lao Studies
The Center for Lao Studies (CLS) was formed in 2006 as an outcome of the First International Conference on Lao Studies (ICLS). The mission of CLS is to advance the field of Lao Studies in all disciplines by promoting academic research, education and cultural exchanges through seminars, conferences, and exchange programs.
As a resource center for the general public and persons of Lao heritage, CLS serves as a liaison with cultural organizations, universities, academia, associations, and institutions.
Goals
• To sponsor conferences, workshops, seminars and speakers forums with invited guest speakers within the United States and from abroad, especially from Laos.
• To support scholarly research by facilitating and sourcing opportunities for professionals, artists, graduate and undergraduate students and academia, and sponsoring cultural exchanges for the general public interested in gaining intensive exposure to the various disciplines of Lao Studies.
• To support scholarly publications.
• To support research that promotes and preserves the languages and cultures of the indigenous peoples of Laos. This includes linguistics, history, music, religion, economics, archeology, sociology, and related fields.
• To engage in public relations, serving as a clearinghouse for referrals to resources and other direct services.
Programs
PUBLICATIONS: CLS strives to produce academic publications of a high standard. CLS’ first publication, Contemporary Lao Studies: Research on Development, Culture, Language, and Traditional Medicine, is scheduled for final production in the summer of 2007. It is a compilation of selected papers from the First International Conference on Lao Studies (2005) at Northern Illinois University. In addition to the research papers, a preface, an introduction and an index are provided.
In 2008 CLS will launch a peer-reviewed, internet-based Journal of Lao Studies. The Journal will be devoted to the discussion of the ethno-linguistic groups of Laos and affiliated groups residing in countries neighboring Laos, as well as those in the Laotian diaspora. Scholarly articles from all disciplinary backgrounds are welcome.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ON LAO STUDIES: With the Center for Asian Research at Arizona State University, CLS is the co-sponsor of the Second International Conference on Lao Studies for 2007. The main purpose is to provide an international forum for scholars to present and discuss various aspects of Lao Studies about ethno-linguistic groups of Laos, the Lao Isan, cross-border ethnic groups in Laos’ neighboring countries, and overseas Laotians. CLS will continue to support the Third International Conference on Lao Studies, which will be held in 2010.
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM: In 2008, CLS is planning to launch a Study Lao Summer Program, giving Lao-Americans and other Americans the opportunity to study in Vientiane, Laos, the capital. The program will consist of language lessons, cultural activities, and excursions within the country. CLS is also working with academic institutions in Southeast Asia to develop various exchange programs.
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING: In collaboration with the Lao-American College in Vientiane, CLS is working toward providing funding to support rural Lao students unable to afford university studies. CLS is also working to develop stipends for academically eligible students in the United States who otherwise might not be able to participate in the summer studies program due to economic constraints.