The Pubiao speak a Thai-Kadai language.  Specifically, it is categorized as: Daic, Kadai, Li-Laqua.  It is closely related to Gelao, Lati, and Laha.   Their language is a completely different language group from Vietnamese, which is of the Mon-Khmer group.  

Their language, called Laqua, is fast becoming extinct in Vietnam, as well as in China, where few can still speak the language. About 50 elderly speakers in China were reported in 1991. Only 5 were able to sing their cultural songs.  The areas in which the Pubiao live are multi-ethnic and multi-lingual.  As a consequence, in Vietnam most Pubiao speak the language of their neighbors - Nung, Hmong, and Mandarin.

     Ropal code for the La Chi (Laqua) language: LAQ00