Helpful Information to Know about Learning Cambodian Language

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. You can use the Khmer language to communicate with Cambodian people everywhere you go in Cambodia. So it is worth it to learn some Khmer if you plan to stay for quite a while.

Is Cambodian Language hard to learn?

Khmer language is very difficult to learn if you want to be able to read and write. But for basic communication, Khmer is not that difficult. 

Many foreign expatriates can use Khmer language in their daily life in Cambodia and some of them can use the language efficiently.

Frankly speaking, the reason that some of them couldn't use the language is: because they don't have the intention or any determination to learn the language. So to sum up the Cambodian language which we call Khmer is not difficult to learn.

I would recommend focusing on speaking and listening if you plan to stay sometimes. But if you plan to perfect the language and spend years in Cambodia learning the Khmer character is a must. It took more time in the beginning but you will see a quick growth later. Khmer language uses the spelling system so once you get that the journey ahead is much easier.

How long would it take to learn Khmer?

I want to be clear and avoid the word "it depends" but it really depends on how you learn. I know some foreigners who spend only 4-6 months to be able to communicate in common situations. From there on they can improve their Khmer by using it every day and things are getting easier. 

You can learn the language faster if you are surrounded by Khmer friends and most Cambodian people are happy to hear foreigners talk in their language. They will be patient to wait for your thinking and delay so you try practicing as often as you can.

Back to the question, I will say in general it would take the first 2 months for you to learn the Khmer characters and to get familiar with the tone and some basic vocabulary. After that, you can speed up the progress and by the 6th month of learning, you see yourself as a winner the journey ahead will be fun and easier. 

Where can you learn the Cambodian language?

There are some Khmer Classes for foreigners located in Phnom Penh. You can check Google Maps and decide for yourself which school is near to where you stay that has good reviews. For other provinces, there are rarely classes open but you should also check the maps as there might be more open classes in the future when you are reading this post. You can also hire a private teacher to teach you Khmer at a reasonable price.

Can you learn the Cambodian language online?

There are a few websites and apps to learn Khmer online I test them out but there are still in construction and a lot needs to be improved so I don't have recommendations now (I will update later if I find some good ones). 

To learn Khmer online there are some Youtube channels that you can easily find by just typing the phrase "Khmer Lesson", "Learn Khmer for Foreigners", "Learn Khmer for Beginners", and other phrases you sure know of. 

 At this time I can find very few channels focusing on Khmer Learning but I hope there will be more in the future. Here are a few Youtube Channels to learn Khmer Online: 

1. Khmer Lesson

2. Learning Khmer 101

3. CambodianSchool សាលាខ្មែរ

4. Learn Khmer with Maly

I am also interested to create a Youtube Channel dedicated to Learning Khmer for Foreigners too. But it is still in the plan for quite a long time now because I am still very busy at work and on my blogs. I will update later if I work on that. 

I think there will be more great Khmer Online Classes and Youtube Channels so I can just focus on the blogs. I will update more for places you can learn Khmer online you can also comment down below if you find some good ones.

Do you need to study Khmer before visiting Cambodia?

You don't need to study Khmer to visit Cambodia. Over the years Cambodia has improved a lot in its tourist-friendly system. You can expect someone to handle English communication anywhere you go in Cambodia. 

Most of the younger generation will be able to communicate in English so the future is much easier for English speakers visiting Cambodia. 

Of course, knowing a little bit of greeting phrases will help you win the heart of the Cambodian people and they will be more willing to communicate and solve your problems.

Thanks to the vector image credit to: Vectorkh.com