Live & Learn Cambodian
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Learning to speak Cambodian (Khmer) opens the door to a wonderful people with a fascinating and rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. This page is designed to give you some general guide lines and tips for learning the language, and help you choose the best language learning resources to help you on your way. We provide recommendations on the best Khmer audio lessons, software, dictionaries, exercise books and much, much more... Language SynopsisThe language of the Khmer people and the official language of Cambodia. The language uses the Khmer writing system, similar to that used in Thai and Lao. There are between 15 and 21 million native speakers around the world with substantial Khmer communities in Vietnam, Thailand and the USA. There are three main dialects: Battambang (standard), Phnom Penh (spoken in the capital) and Northern Khmer (spoken by ethnic Khmer in NE Thailand). All three dialects are mutually intelligible. Did you know? 1. The Khmer alphabet closely resembles the Thai and Lao alphabets, which were derived from it. 2. In Khmer text there are no spaces between words. Spaces indicate the end of a sentence or clause. 3. Many words have more than accepted spelling. Useful Phrases: Hello - sur sdey How are you? - sok sa bye sea tae? Nice to meet you - sohk bai jut na Thank you - auh kun Apology - som tus My name is Mike - knyom schmursh Mike What's your name? - niak ch'muah ai? Yes - bhat (for men), jass (for women) No - te
Learning Live OnlineRecommended resources for learning the Khmer language live online. Internet freebies: Online language exchange: This site allows you to develope your speaking skills by conversing with native speakers who want to practise their English. You can also practise reading and writing the language by writing and receiving e-mails.
Khmer Culture Corner
Cultural Quirks Cambodian culture has its roots in India and has been heavily influenced by the neighbouring countries of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Throughout the last 2000 years the culture has been developed around religious belief, which over time has combined aspects of animism, Bhuddism and Hinduism. Religious belief deeply affects every day life. For example, it is believed the head contains the soul and is thus the holiest part of the body. It is therefore considered disrespectful to touch or point your feet at someone's head. The feet, the lowest part of the body, are considered the most inpure, and pointing them at someone is considered very disrespectful.
To show respect or greet someone, the "sampeah" is used. This is a clasp of the hands in a prayer like manner, with a gentle bow of the head.
Cambodian-Culture-Since-1975: Homeland and Exile: National Dishes and recipes: Khmer cuisine is heavly influenced by Indian, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. Many Khmer dishes distinguish themselves with the use of prahok - a kind of fermented fish paste that gives a distinctive flavour to the food. Coconut milk is often used in desserts and curries, and of course, almost every meal includes a bowl of rice.
Some popular Khmer dishes include Amok (fish in a thick coconut milk with curry, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed), Bok L'Hong (Papaya salad) and Pleah (Beef salad). The-Food-&-Cooking-of-Cambodia: Traditional Music: Khmer folk music is heavily influenced by ancient Hindu forms. The music is usually accompanied by a religious dance which relates a story or myth. Listen to traditional Khmer music by clicking on the songs in the box below:
Help Others Live & LearnHave you had experience in learning the Khmer language? If so we'd love to hear about how you learned the language. What resources did you find useful? Did you use audio lessons? Which did you find best? Which dictionary was the most user friendly? What software helped you? What tips could you give? Please e-mail us your tips using the form below. Your shared language learning experiences will save other language learners' time, energy, and money. In fact, that is the the mission of Live & Learn Languages!
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is a great book containing a series of essays about the changing nature of Khmer culture since the 1970's.
is an excellent book with over 60 classic recipes. The book comes with step by step instructions, plenty of pictures, and is a must have for anyone wanting to try their hand at Khmer cuisine.
