Mal people

The Mal are an ethnic group native to Laos and Thailand. They are one of two sub-groups of the Lua people (the other one being the Phai).[1]

Mal
Total population
27,893 (est.)
Regions with significant populations
Laos, Thailand, United States
Languages
Mal, Lao, Thai, others
Religion
Theravada Buddhism

Name Variation

The Mal are also commonly referred to as Madl, Khatin, T'in, Htin, Thin, and Tin.[2]

Language

The Mal speak a language also called Mal, which is a Khmuic language.[2] The Khmuic languages are Austroasiatic.[2] There is some debate as to whether the Khmuic languages are of the Mon–Khmer branch, but the majority opinion is that they are not.

Geographic Distribution
  • Population in Laos: 23,193 in Xaignabouli Province[2]
  • Population in Thailand: 4,700
  • Population in United States: Unknown

Religion

The Mal largely practice traditional folk religion involving ancestor worship.

References
  1. Joachim Schliesinger (2003). Ethnic Groups of Laos, Volume 1: Introduction and Overview. White Lotus. p. 171.
  2. Ethnologue report for Laos

See also

Mal Indian People


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