The Thai language originates from the Tai-Kadai language family. Despite the name similarities, Tai-Kadai languages, or more specifically the Tai branch that the Thai language follows, are the root for many languages, such as Lao and certain dialects of Chinese. Over half of the words, grammar, and intonation in the Thai language are the same as in the Lao language, so many literate Lao people can understand Thai as well.The country of Thailand has seen many geopolitical changes. The northern part of Thailand is comprised of what used to be the independent kingdom of Lannathai, which is where the Northern Thai dialect is spoken. There is also a rich history of tribal and minority languages, many of which are kept alive due to minority groups preserving their heritage.The Thai script does not use a Latin alphabet, but is derived from the Khmer script. It has a distinctive rounded look, and in appearance is close to the Thai Dam script. There is no specific way to transfer the Thai language into the Latin alphabet, so this is primarily done phonetically, as with many Indian language translations to English.