I really want to make an effort to understand and converse in Lao, so I've been searching for a Lao tutor all over DC. The embassy was a surprisingly disappointing resource, but I finally was able to reach a former president of the
Lao American Women Association today who has offered to tutor me personally. And it's perfect because she actually works right across the street from me, and so we can meet during lunch.
I've perused books (not too many options out there), but I really want a "native speaker" (a la JET!) to help me get the tones right. With six tones and that snakelike script, I'm going to need some handholding to get me started. But to help myself along as I advance, I just ordered these books off Amazon. Will let you know how useful they are!
