This section highlights the rich storytelling traditions of the Lao American community, encompassing both written literature and oral histories. These narratives offer critical insights into themes of war, migration, identity, resilience, memory, and cultural preservation.
Lao American literature includes poetry, memoirs, fiction, and essays by Lao and Lao American writers. These works often reflect the legacy of displacement following the Vietnam War and U.S. “Secret War” in Laos, the refugee experience, intergenerational trauma, and the complexities of navigating life in the diaspora. Authors such as Bryan Thao Worra, Souvankham Thammavongsa, and Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay are among the key voices contributing to Lao American literary expression.
Oral histories preserve personal stories and lived experiences of Lao refugees, immigrants, and their descendants. These firsthand accounts—collected through community projects, university archives, and digital humanities initiatives—capture memories of life before, during, and after resettlement. They serve as vital sources for understanding cultural identity, family histories, and community formation across generations.
This guide includes:
Published works by Lao American authors
Audio and video oral history collections
Community-based storytelling projects
Academic studies on Lao American narrative traditions
Digital archives and multimedia exhibits
Together, these resources support research and teaching on Southeast Asian American literature, diaspora studies, oral tradition, and the cultural production of underrepresented communities.