The use of Khmer language, the needs and desires of the Khmer people for their speech and writing (A Case study of Sóc Trăng and Trà Vinh provinces)

Abstract

This paper aim to analyzing the use of Khmer language as well as the needs and desires of the Khmer people for the Khmer speech and writing in Soc Trang and Tra Vinh provinces. The survey results show the diversity and flexibility in using the Khmer language. Language use differs depending on the purposes, audience and communication context. This finding highlights the flexibility in using language as well as the desires of Khmer people for preserving their own language.
The views and suggestions of Khmer people and local authority leaders regarding the Khmer speech and writing could  be used as an important basis for developing appropriate policies in popularing and teaching Khmer language for Khmer people in particular and ethnic minorities in general.