Protest and Khmer Lessons

In Cambodia it is widely anticipated that this Saturday there will be a large crowd demonstrating against the processes in the recent election. I have noticed a substantial increase in large flatbed trucks carrying dozens of armed military guards wearing protective helmets with facemasks. It can be quite an intimidating sight. I will try to covertly take a picture of one of these trucks and will post it here.

This week I began taking Khmer language lessons. I appreciate that the lessons began with talking about some of the traditional and current Khmer cultural norms – especially those which differ from American culture. For example, it is not normal in Cambodia, as it is in the States, to begin a conversation by exchanging names and shaking hands. In Khmer culture it would be unusual to have any physical contact when greeting someone – no shaking hands, hugging, or kissing cheeks. It is also unusual to say your name or ask the other person what their name is. Instead, people in Cambodia typically greet one another with their hands folded together  at the center of the chest (as in prayer) and give a slight bow while saying in Khmer “how are you”. It is really more of a statement than a question because it is seldom answered with “good”, “well”, “ok”, or “not so good”. Instead, it is generally answered by repeating “how are you”. Khmer for this sounds like “soc sa bye”.

In Khmer culture, unlike in American culture, it is also quite common to ask people when you first see them: where did you just come from? Have you eaten? (In Khmer the question about where did you come from sounds like “mao pee nah?”) It is also quite common to ask someone you have just met questions like: how old are you?  Are you married? (In Khmer these questions sound like “au juice man?” and “Mean cruel sah hi no?”). In Khmer culture there is also heavy distinction given for age. When addressing people with statements or questions there is usually a title for the other person included in the statement/question; and the title will vary depending on age. For example, people who are younger than me I would address with titles that sound like B’own Sray (female) and B’own Prah (male).  For people about my age: Bong Sray and Bong Prah. For people one generation older (e.g. aunt or uncle) with titles that sound like: Mehen (woman) and Boo (man); and for elders (e.g. grandparent and older) with a title that sounds like: Uhm. So, to ask a man who appears to be about my age how old he is I would say: Bong Prah au juice man? While my teacher (naht crew – for female teacher; low crew for male teacher) has been quite insistent upon the inclusion of titles I have noticed, however, that the Cambodian Nationals that I have been trying out my Khmer on do not typically use titles. I am also told that I have a strong accent and that I often mispronounce words badly and am difficult to understand. 

Chewa knear bayer groud (see you next time).