I've been looking at all the demographic data on Cambodia (the government census, etc.) but there doesn't seem to be any information as to how many Cambodians speak/read English (as opposed to French) as their second/third language.

Obviously, everyone on this website reads in English --but does anyone have any statistics (or just personal observations) as to how widespread English and French are respectively?

Hypothetically: If you were to publish two version of a reasonably interesting, educational book in Cambodia --one in English, the other in French-- and distribute it *for free* which one would actually have more readers these days?

Any information as to how these European languages are distributed (countryside vs. cities, etc.), or social attitudes towards them would be helpful (for instance: I'm surprised to find so many ESL schools in Cambodia have the word "America" in their names! Isn't there at least *some* resentment towards American institutions of this sort? What's the attitude, by contrast, toward French?)

Thank you,
Bahiya

Alright according to some friends and relative who recently visited Cambodia, English and Chinese seem to be leading foreign languages that people are taking classes on. I think French used to popular back when Cambodia was a French Colony and before 1975.

French is really only known by the people who are now in their mid-40s and up. Basic English is known by quite a few Khmer students around Phnom Penh actually.

Really? So, is it generally agreed that French is defunct for those under the age of fourty? Is this equally true in rural Cambodia as in the cities?

Sorry to pester, but I really need to know as much as you (or anyone) can tell me. I'm preparing an educational book for use in Cambodia, and I wasn't sure whether to include French as well as English, just English, or just French (along with the Khmer).

It seems like "use both" would be the easy answer, but I don't know how French and English are regarded in Kampucheyya --i.e., if some people would actually *dislike* a book because it was in English (or French, for that matter) --or if two separate editions would be more appropriate.

As we all Know that the French people had been invastated our beloved county and defied our Khmers discipline in the former. So?? the French People are not get along with our KhmerPeople.

But if we talking about the French Language Skills are not problem!!! The Language for using of the International...The more language we know, the more esier way we go...Thats my suggestions all about!!!

RockHeart,


:genius:

Well in the rural areas, many of those people are poor so not many of them know French or English b/c they can't afford to take those private classes. However, if I had to guess English probably leads French in the country side.

English is definately spoken more than French.