To which language should you translate to localize in Cambodia?
What we know from our community
Cambodia is a country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, which is spoken by approximately 95% of the population. Khmer is a member of the Austroasiatic language family, and it is the only official language in the country. However, due to its history of colonization and influence from neighboring countries, other languages such as French, English, and Vietnamese are also spoken by some Cambodians.
The linguistic landscape in Cambodia is diverse, with over 20 minority languages spoken by various ethnic groups throughout the country. Some of these languages include Cham, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The Cham language is spoken by the Cham people, who are descendants of the Champa kingdom that once ruled parts of Vietnam and Cambodia. Chinese is spoken by the Chinese population in Cambodia, who are primarily involved in business and trade. Vietnamese is spoken by the Vietnamese population in Cambodia, who migrated to the country during the French colonial period and the Vietnam War.
Cambodia has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as French colonialism. The country is known for its ancient temples, including the famous Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temples are a reflection of the country’s history and culture, and they attract millions of tourists every year.
The Cambodian people are proud of their cultural heritage and traditions, which are deeply rooted in their daily lives. One of the most important cultural traditions in Cambodia is the Khmer New Year, which is celebrated in April and marks the end of the harvest season. During this time, families gather together to share meals, exchange gifts, and participate in traditional games and dances.
Despite the challenges the country has faced in the past, such as the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia’s linguistic and cultural landscape remains diverse and vibrant. The country is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and languages, which make it a unique and fascinating destination for travelers and scholars alike.
Khmer (88.6%), Vietnamese (5.5%), Chinese (3.1%), Cham (2.4%), other (04%)
What the top 150 best localized websites in the world do in Cambodia
(Top 150 websites listed in the Global by Design ranking – published annually by Byte Level Research, this report provides a list of globally localized websites, showcasing best practices and emerging trends in their globalization)
15/150 localize by translating into Khmer
1/150 localizes by translating into Khmer, Cambodian and Cambodian Sign Language