• Society

Test Your Khmer Skills and Promote the Language

• By Teng Yalirozy
• December 22, 2023 7:10 PM

PHNOM PENH – An event aimed at preserving and promoting the Khmer language is expected to attract 1,000 people to Angkor Wat's Causeway Bridge on Jan. 21.

The “Angkor Writing” competition is open to Cambodians and foreigners who want to test their listening skills and ability to write in the language, in what is the first event of its type.

“If we are careless, the use of the Khmer language is getting lower and our identity could be lost,” said organizer and Khmer literature enthusiast Lim Bunhok.

He and his team initiated the project seeing that in this digital age, many Cambodians make writing and spelling mistakes, especially on social media. These could downgrade the value of the Khmer language and literature.

“This is a move to push forward the love of our Khmer language and promote the correct usage of the language,” he said. “We want Lim Bunhok, a to change the habit of wrong spelling while writing faster or in a hurry.”

Foreigners who want to test their Khmer language skills or love the language are encouraged to join in.

Bunhok said the event also aimed to help restore the tourism sector in the province after the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging those interested to register before Jan. 7.

Organizer and Khmer literature enthusiast Lim Bunhok and Heng Rotha giving a conference about the event on Dec. 22. Photo: Teng Yalirozy

Asked if the scoring could be fair as people of different ages might have different abilities, he said event is not about prizes but about uplifting the language.

“Double ranking is also our concern,” he said. “I will leave the scoring procedure to the team from the Education Ministry. However, if such a scenario happened, I think that a lucky draw could be the option.”

As of Dec.22, about 500 participants had registered, including one Japanese who is studying Khmer literature in Phnom Penh. The dictation topic could concern the knowledge of Angkor Park and last about one hour from 7am and winners will be announced in the evening.

The first, second and third prizes include a three-night stay in 5, 4 and 3-star hotels respectively with a cash reward.

Participants only need a blue ink pen at the dictation site. Cambodian citizens need to present their national identity card to register while foreigners need to present passports.

Bunhok said he aimed to bring the Angkor Writing event to all cities and provinces in the future. The theme will vary according to location.

The program is supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture as well the Tourism Ministry. Bunhok also called for public support and sponsorship so that the event can run smoothly.

To register, contact 092 337 626.

To contribute to the program, contact 012 982 323.