Cambodian

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Recommended resources for learning the Cambodian language. Includes audio lessons, software, dictionaries, exercise books and internet freebies which will help you on your way to learning the Khmer language.

If there is something you would like to know but can’t seem to find it through us, please let us know - we will be happy to do some research and do our best to dig it up, and improve the site for you. The comment box is at the bottom of this page.

Language Synopsis

The 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.

There are many more details and background information about the language within this free online encyclopedia and this excellent online source of language information.

Cambodian Audio Lessons

The best audio lessons for learning the Cambodian language.

The big providers of audio lessons such as Pimsleur and Linguaphone do not provide courses in Cambodian. However there are several good options if you want to learn the language by use of audio lessons. We recommedn the following:

Colloquial Cambodian: A Complete Language Course

Good for: Beginners - Learning useful phrases - Simple grammatical explanations. Value - the course comes with an accompanying text book which complements the CDs really well.

Internet freebies:

FSI Audio Lessons provide the most comprehensive Khmer audio lessons. The courses were used by the US governemnt to train diplomats going to serve in Cambodia. At first the course is a little hard going, but if you stick with it, the method used is effective. You can download the lessons free by clicking on the link.

Free online lessons are provided on this site. The lessons teach you basic phrases aswell as providing audio files which show how they are pronounced.

Interactive pronunciation guide: this site is useful for learning the Khmer consonants.

Interactive flash application: also useful for learning the consonants.

Cambodian Language Software

Language learning software is a great way to help you grasp the basics of the Khmer language. Being interactive, and covering the four aspects of language learning - speaking, listening, reading and writing, it'll really help you develop your language skills. For Cambodian we recommend the following software:

Talk Now! Khmer

Good for: Beginners - Easy to use - Interactive and fun - Helps build a good vocabulary.

Internet freebies:

Free download of the alphabet for use on your computer is provided on this site.

English-Cambodian Dictionaries

Getting your hands on a good English-Cambodian dictionary is essential if you're going to progress in learning this South East Asian language. We recommend the following dictionaries:

Oxford Picture Dictionary: Designed for Khmer speakers wanting to learn English, this book is also extremely useful for English speakers wanting to learn Cambodian. An invaluable self teaching tool, which can also be used in the classroom if you teach English in Cambodia.

Hippocrene Dictionary: is one of the most comprehensive, English-Cambodian, Cambodian-English dictionaries available. Thorough glossary - lots of entries.

Tuttle Practical Dictionary: If you need a dictionary to travel with this is the one. Pocket sized with 5000 entries it's ideal for the basic vocab you'll need for your trip. However, for a more comprehensive choice go for the Hippecrene dictionary.

Internet freebies:

Cambodian Exercise Books

As there is little out there in terms of audio lessons, you'll most probably need to get your hands on a good exercise book if you're teaching yourself Khmer. The best exercise books for learning Cambodian that we've unearthed are recommended below.

Modern Spoken Cambodian: An essential resource for anybody learning the Khmer language. Comprehensive - probably the most comprehensive learning resource for the language. Grammar - helpful, detailed grammar explanations. Value - comes with accompanying audio material.

Cambodian System of Writing: The best resource available for those wanting to learn to read Khmer. The book explains the relationship between the Khmer letters and the phonology, and provides a series of highly structured reading drills designed to train the student to read all word shapes.

Colloquial Cambodian: A very useful book if you're starting from scratch. The easy to use format of the book and the accompanying audio material make it good value for money.

Cambodian for Beginners: A great book to get started with the language. The book is accompanied by a complementary audio course. Pronunciation - the audio aspect will help you immitate the pronunciation of the different Khmer sounds. Value - comes with accompanying audio material

Internet freebies:

The following website provides free educational information regarding the teachings of the Bible, with a page in Khmer and the same information on a page in English. If you are at an advanced stage of learning the language, a comparison of the texts can help contribute to your language acquisition.

Help for writing the consonants: This very useful site provides help in writing the Khmer consonants in the correct way - the key to writing the language accurately.

Language Flashcards

Internet Freebies:

Free Khmer Flashcards are provided on this site for the different letters and also for different vocabulary. Export them to Word or Excel.

Video & Media

Internet Freebies:

Learning Live Online

Recommended 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.

Language Immersion

Surrounding yourself with Khmer words and sounds and music will be the very best way to learn, trust us. We are looking into courses abroad at the moment, and will soon be able to recommend one or two. Until then, feel free to do your best to immerse yourself where you live, using the following suggestions… for example, use a dictionary to print words like “table”, "door", "window", "kettle", "bed", "chair", "mirror" etc and stick them onto those items around the house. Over time these words will automatically become part of your vocabulary, without even trying to memorize them! You could also in time join some verbs, like eat, open/close, wash, boil, sleep, sit, look, etc so as to associate them with the objects. Try it!

Listening to Cambodian Music

Listen and sing along to Cambodian music. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the language and develop your pronunciation. Research shows that when we sing in a foreign language we loose our accent. e.g. Celine Dion has a very strong Quebec accent when she speaks English, but when she sings her accent disappears!

Check out the following Khmer songs:

Internet freebies:

Immerse yourself right away by...

~Listening to the radio a little each day and tune in your ears!

~Keeping up with the news each day!

~Keeping up with media!

~Using www.google.com/intl/km/ instead of Google in English is a useful way for advanced learners to practise using the Khmer script.

Khmer Culture Corner

Expressions and phrases

Useful expressions and phrases - also includes the Khmer alphabet.

Cultural Quirks

Cambodian Culture Since 1975: Homeland and Exile: is a great book containing a series of essays about the changing nature of Khmer culture since the 1970's.

National Dishes and recipes

Khmer National Recipes are provided on this travel information website.

Traditional Music

Listen to traditional Khmer music by clicking on the songs in the box below:

Traditional Mahori Music you can listen to by clicking on the link.

History

The history of the Khmer people: a good source of historical information.

Help Others Live & Learn

Have 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!