Khmer language

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Approximate Location of Khmer Dialects

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AncientKhmerScript

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Khmer vowel chart

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Be Cambodian Embassy 03

Khmer language is the official language of Cambodia and is used by approximately 16 million people in Cambodia and by over a million speakers of the Khmer diaspora worldwide. It belongs to the Austroasiatic language family, which also includes languages like Vietnamese and Mon. Khmer has the distinction of having the longest alphabet in the world, consisting of 33 consonants, 23 vowels, and 12 independent vowels.

History

The history of the Khmer language is deeply intertwined with the history of Cambodia. The earliest known written records of the Khmer language appear in inscriptions dating back to the 7th century. These inscriptions were typically written in Sanskrit and Old Khmer, reflecting the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism on the Khmer Empire. The language has evolved significantly over the centuries, with Middle Khmer spoken from the 11th to the 14th century, and Modern Khmer emerging thereafter. The transition from Old Khmer to Middle Khmer marks significant phonological and syntactical changes, partly influenced by the languages of neighboring cultures.

Writing System

The Khmer script is an abugida, where each consonant has an inherent vowel that can be changed with the addition of vowel symbols. The script is derived from the Pallava script, which was used in southern India and Southeast Asia during the 7th century. The writing system is unique in its use of subscripts to write consonant clusters and its elaborate set of diacritics and ligatures to denote vowels and various phonetic qualities.

Phonology

Khmer phonology is characterized by a rich inventory of vowels and consonants, including voiceless and voiced pairs of plosives, and a series of aspirated plosives. The language's vowel system includes short and long vowels, which can change the meaning of words. Tonal characteristics in Khmer are minimal compared to neighboring tonal languages like Vietnamese and Thai, making it relatively easier for speakers of non-tonal languages to learn.

Grammar

Khmer grammar is relatively straightforward, with subject-verb-object (SVO) word order predominating. The language employs particles to indicate grammatical relationships and to modify meaning, rather than relying on inflection. There is no grammatical gender in Khmer, and pluralization is context-based rather than strictly grammatical. Verbs are not conjugated for tense; instead, time is indicated by context or the use of temporal markers.

Dialects

There are several dialects of Khmer, including Standard Khmer, spoken in the area around the capital, Phnom Penh, and Northern Khmer, spoken in Thailand. The dialects primarily differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and some grammatical structures. Despite these differences, speakers of different dialects can generally understand each other.

Cultural Significance

The Khmer language is an integral part of Cambodian identity and culture, embodying the nation's history, religion, and arts. It is the language of Khmer literature, which ranges from ancient inscriptions to modern novels and poetry. The language also plays a crucial role in the preservation of Cambodia's rich oral traditions, including folk tales and songs.

Modern Developments

In recent years, efforts have been made to promote the Khmer language and to ensure its preservation in the digital age. This includes the development of Khmer language software and resources for language learning. The language's presence on the internet and in digital media has grown, increasing access to Khmer language materials for people around the world.