Cambodian English
{{Short description|A variety of English spoken in Cambodia}}
{{Infobox language
| name = Cambodian English
| familycolor = Indo-European
| region = Southeast Asia
| states = Cambodia
| speakers = Variable, primarily educated Cambodians and English language learners
| fam2 = Germanic
| fam3 = West Germanic
| fam4 = Ingvaeonic
| fam5 = Anglo-Frisian
| fam6 = Anglic
| fam7 = English
| fam8 = Southeast Asian English
| ancestor = Proto-Indo-European
| ancestor2 = Proto-Germanic
| ancestor3 = Proto-West Germanic
| ancestor4 = Proto-English
| ancestor5 = Old English
| ancestor6 = Middle English
| ancestor7 = Early Modern English
| ancestor8 = Modern English
| script = Latin (English alphabet)
Unified English Braille
| iso3 = en-KH (unofficial)
| glotto = none
| nation = {{CAM}}
}}
Cambodian English is a World English variety spoken in Cambodia. It is used by the media, educated Cambodians, and English language learners.
History
English was introduced to Cambodia in the 1990s through the presence of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC).{{Cite journal|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-971X.2009.01628.x|title=English in Cambodia: changes and challenges|first1=Stephen H|last1=Moore|first2=Suksiri|last2=Bounchan|date=March 23, 2010|journal=World Englishes|volume=29|issue=1|pages=114–126|via=CrossRef|doi=10.1111/j.1467-971X.2009.01628.x|url-access=subscription}} Its usage expanded significantly following Cambodia's 1999 accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118791882.ch28|chapter=English in Cambodia|first1=Stephen H.|last1=Moore|first2=Suksiri|last2=Bounchan|title=The Handbook of Asian Englishes |editor-first1=Kingsley|editor-last1=Bolton|editor-first2=Werner|editor-last2=Botha|editor-first3=Andy|editor-last3=Kirkpatrick|date=September 23, 2020|publisher=Wiley|pages=649–666|via=CrossRef|doi=10.1002/9781118791882.ch28|isbn=978-1-118-79180-6 }} In the mid-2000s, Cambodian scholars such as Keuk Chan Narith and Kao Sophal began to formally identify and analyze the distinct features of Cambodian English.
Initially considered "unintelligible," its intelligibility has improved due to the growth of international school education, particularly among younger generations. Cambodian scholars Chan Hum and Kimkong Heng have observed an increase in children attending international schools in urban areas.{{Cite journal|url=https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780192855282.013.8|title=English in Cambodia|first1=Chan |last1=Hum|first2=Kimkong|last2=Heng|date=March 21, 2024|journal=The Oxford Handbook of Southeast Asian Englishes|pages=186–201 |via=CrossRef|doi=10.1093/oxfordhb/9780192855282.013.8|isbn=978-0-19-285528-2 |url-access=subscription}}
The rapid growth of globalization and technological advancements has further accelerated its adoption, particularly for hand-held devices and social networking. While a Khmer script exists for digital devices, there is a tendency to use audio messages in Khmer rather than typed messages.{{Cite web|url=https://restofworld.org/2021/facebook-didnt-know-why-half-of-messengers-voice-traffic-comes-from-cambodia-heres-why/|title=Fifty percent of Facebook Messenger's total voice traffic comes from Cambodia. Here's why|date=November 12, 2021|website=Rest of World}}
Characteristics
Cambodian English exhibits distinct phonological and morphosyntactic features, influenced by the Khmer language.
;Phonology
- Deletion and insertion of the /s/ sound.
- Dropping of final consonants.
- Simplification of verb endings (-es, -ed).
- Distortion of non-native English sounds.
- Variations in word stress.
;Morphosyntax
- Omission of prepositions and articles.
- Influence of Khmer syntax and word order.
- Use of present tense for past tense.
- Use of singular forms for plurals.
These features were identified by Stephen Moore and Suksiri Bounchan.
Variations
Transitional Cambodian English (TCE) is a possible emerging standard variation, primarily observed among university students. It is characterized by a blend of American and British English with minimal Khmer linguistic influence, and it was first identified by American scholar Joshua Wilwohl.{{Cite book|url=https://library.aupp.edu.kh/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=10674|title=Survey Suggests Cambodian English Variation Emerging Among University Students|first1=Joshua|last1=Wilwohl|date=2024 |publisher=CamTESOL}}
A colloquial, non-standard variation, "KhmEnglish", has also been identified.{{cn|date=February 2025}}
Current status and sociolinguistic considerations
English is increasingly used across various domains in Cambodia, including education, business, tourism, technology, and media, leading some scholars to describe it as a "language of transformation." However, the growing prevalence of English raises concerns about potential impacts on Khmer language proficiency and cultural identity.