The Red Tai are closely related to the White and Black Tai , who were named for the color of their women's traditional clothing. Their tonal language, Tai Daeng, belongs to a larger ethno-linguistic grouping of people known as the Tai, which also include the Laotians, the Shan , and some other groups. The Red Tai are unusually polite, respectful, and hospitable people. Beginning at a very young age, their children are taught proper social behavior. This code of conduct is based on having respect for those who rank higher.
Additional emphasis is placed on becoming independent and self-reliant.
For example, rural farmers are ranked below craftsmen, merchants, and city government officials. The priests form their own separate class. The basic unit of Red Tai society is the family and is basically patriarchal, or maile dominated. The immediate family usually live together, and there is mutual respect for one another at all levels. They live, eat, and farm together with the women working alongside their husbands.