The Tay speak a Central Tai language that is related to Southern Zhuang (China) and Nung.  This is a completely different language group from Vietnamese, which is of the Mon-Khmer group.

    There are at least four dialects spoken by the Tay, and a distinct language called Tai Jo.  There are two other distinct languages (Thu Lao and Padi) spoken by a few hundred speakers each.

    Notwithstanding linguistic differences, the Tay have assimilated more Vietnamese culture and language than other Tai speakers, such as the Nung.