Khmer Language Information

Ref: Ethnologue Map

A language of Cambodia

ISO 639-3: khm

Alternate Names: 

• Cambodian, Khmer

Population: 

• 12,900,000 in Cambodia (2008 census). Population total all countries: 14,224,500.

Location: 

• Widespread. Also in Canada, China, France, Laos, United States, Viet Nam.

Language Maps: 

• Cambodia, Laos, Southern Viet Nam

Language Status: 

• 1 (National). Statutory national language (1993, Constitution, Article 5).

Classification: 

• Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Khmer

Dialects: 

• Battambang Khmer, Cardamom Khmer, Khmer Kandal (Central), Khmer Keh (Stung Treng), Khmer Krom (Southern). Distinct from Northern Khmer [kxm] of Thailand.

Typology: SVO

Language Use: 

• 1,000,000 L2 speakers.

Language Development: 

• 35% of the population over 15 cannot read or write Khmer. Radio programs. Grammar. Bible: 1954–1998.

Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Khmer, Central

Writing: Khmer script.

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Ref: Ethnologue