Language preservation among Cambodian-Americans

This is a short article about attempts at Khmer (Cambodian)-language preservation in the San Francisco Bay area. The Bay area has a relatively large Cambodian community, which really began during the 1980's after the Cambodian genocide ended. I thought this acticle would be interesting, because it is about a relatively small immigrant group in the US, and how they are trying to hold onto their ethnic identity. Cambodia itself is small. A huge majority of Cambodians are ethnically Khmer and Khmer is a distinct language. We've talked a little bit in class about the role of Spanish in preserving Latino culture, and its something I'm discussing in my final project also. But imagine how difficult it is to preserve Khmer language among American-born Khmers. Outside of a few urban communities, Khmer has no presence in the US and worldwide, the way some other languages like Spanish, French and Chinese do. Aside from ethnic pride, and wanting to be able to communicate with family back in Cambodia, there is no benefit to knowing Khmer.

In my opinion, Khmer culture is typical of most Southeast Asian cultures. It is Bhuddist, its traditional food, music, dance and martial arts are very similar to those if Thialand and Vietnam. BUT, most Khmers would insist on the their distinction. Language seems like the most obvious way for Khmers in America to not only maintain their Southeast Asian culture, but their more distinct Khmer culture. But because Khmer-Americans are such a small, marginalized group, maintaining their language, and in effect their distinct ethnicity, is difficult.

So I guess I'm just trying to point out this difficult situation that not only Khmer-Americans, but I'm sure many other immigrant groups, face in preserving their ethnic identity in the America.