Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Languages
BeforewecametoCambodia,we'dneverheardofKhmer(thenativelanguage),nevermind
know how to pronounce it. It's not pronounced as it is written and the right way to say it is
“Khmai” if you want to sound like a local. Despite months of language classes and a private
tutor,Istillhavelotsofchallenges,astherearesomanyinflectionstoawordthatit'seasyto
say it wrong. And heaven help you if you do, since Cambodians will look at you as though
you've just told them there's a flock of birds about to land on their head, if you don't say it
exactly right.
While English is fairly widely understood in the main tourist regions of Phnom Penh, Siem
Reap, and parts of the coast, it is an alien sound when you get outside the cities. People in
the provinces generally won't have a clue what you're saying, so the only thing to do is ges-
ture wildly, point to items on menus, practice charades, and smile (or laugh, depending on
the circumstances) until you figure it out.
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