Useful Information for Visitors to Cambodia
Language
Khmer (also known as Cambodian) is the official language of Cambodia. The Khmer language has the oldest written records of any Southeast Asian language in stone inscriptions dating back to the seventh century. The written language is complex, including 66 consonant symbols, 35 vowel symbols, 33 superscripts, and 33 subscripts.
Names
One feature of Cambodian names that often confuse westerners is the origin of family names and the order they are used. The Cambodian name is always spoken and written in the order of last name then first name. There is no comma used to separate the last name from the first name...
Greetings
Cambodians traditionally greet each other with palms together, in a manner of prayer. They lift up their hands to the chest level and bow slightly. This is called Som Pas. In general, the higher the hands and lower the bow, the more respect is being shown. When meeting, Cambodians will Som Pas and say Choum Reap Sur (Hello). When departing, again they will Som Pas and say Choum Reap Lir (Goodbye). Cambodians use Som Pas for greeting and to display respect. When used for greeting, it would be impolite not to return a Som Pas; it is tantamount to rejecting an offered handshake in Western culture.
A simple rule is to respond with the greeting you are given.
In formal situations, Cambodians address people with Lok (Mr.) or Lok Srey (Mrs.) followed by given name or both given and family name. Rarely is the family name used by itself as Westerners do. Some Cambodians consider using only the family name impolite as that was the name of the individual's father, grandfather or ancestor.
In an informal situation, Cambodians will refer to an older man as Ta (grandfather), Po (uncle) or Bang (brother) and to an older woman as Yeay (grandmother), Ming (aunt) or Bang Srey (sister). They are also widely used in a situation where one is not sure the age of other parties, in deference to one who may be the senior. People of the same age or younger can be called by their given name without the use of a title.
Displays of Respect
It is very insulting to touch an individual's head. This is considered the most important part of the body and the place where the spirit is found. Feet are considered the lowest in value of body parts and thus it is insulting to point them at someone. While someone is lying down, it is impolite to step over their feet and legs. And when walking in front of someone other than children, Cambodians are expected to bow slightly from the waist as a sign of respect. Finally, in Cambodia, it is not polite to have eye contact with someone who is older or someone who is considered a superior.
Gift Giving Etiquette
Gifts are usually given at Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam).
Birthdays are not big events like in the West and people of the older generation may not even know their date of birth. Unlike most other cultures, Cambodians do not celebrate birthdays.
A small gift or nicely presented fruit, sweets, pastries or flowers can be taken if invited to someone's home for food.
Avoid giving knives.
Gifts are usually wrapped in colorful paper. Do not use white wrapping paper, as it is the color of mourning.
When giving gifts use both hands. Do not open gift when received.
Dining Etiquette
Table manners are fairly formal.
If unconfident with the dos and don'ts simply follow what others do.
When invited to the dining table wait to be told where to sit as you would not want to upset any hierarchical arrangements. The oldest person is usually seated first.
Similarly the eldest person should start eating before others. Do not begin eating until the eldest person starts.
Meeting and Greeting
Respect and deference must always be shown to the most senior person.
When meeting a group you will be introduced to the highest-ranking person, similarly you should have the most senior of your group greet them.
If groups are involved you should introduce people according to rank so that your Cambodian counterparts understand the dynamics of the group.
Handshakes are normal although be careful not to be too firm as this may be construed as aggressive.
If men are dealing with women they should wait and see if they extend a hand before doing so.
Eye contact should be kept to a minimum.
Cambodians address people with the honorific title "Lok" for a man and "Lok Srey" for a woman with the first name alone or both the first and surname.
Business Cards
Business cards should be exchanged after the initial introductions.
Have one side of your card translated into Khmer if possible.
Present your card so the Khmer side is readable to the recipient.
Use the right hand or both hands when offering or receiving a business card.
It is important to treat business cards with respect, as the way you handle the card is indicative of the way you will treat the person.
Business Meetings
Building a relationship on mutual trust is crucial so initially time should be invested in getting to know your counterparts
Small talk should always be employed at the beginning of meetings.
Cambodians are very indirect communicators so some reading between the lines is a necessary skill.
They will always consider the implications of making statements or using particular words especially if it involves anything negative as this draws in the issue of face.
In fact if Cambodians disagree with someone they would rather remain silent than make any comment. If they disagree with an idea, they generally remain silent.
If unsure about statements be sure to double check.
Cambodians prefer ideas to be brought forward in a gentle way and to wait for others to respond.
Pushy, pressured or boastful communication styles are a real turn-off.
Punctuality is important. Arriving late shows a lack of respect for the person with whom you are meeting.
Non-verbal behaviour is just as important to be aware of. For example, smiling in Cambodia is situational and can have many meanings; it may mean a person does not understand what has been said, they are nervous or even irritated.
Showing emotions is considered a negative behavior. Anger, impatience or frustration should be hidden, as it would lead to a loss of face. Modesty and humility are emphasized in the culture, so compliments and praise are generally responded to by a deprecating comment.
It is a good idea not to speak with bravado, which may be interpreted as boasting.
Avoid prolonged eye contact. Be sure to speak clearly, slowly and to avoid use of slang, adages and colloquial sayings.
Religion
95% of Cambodians follow Theravada Buddhism.
Hierarchy
Buddhism also reinforces a sense of hierarchy within society.
Interpersonal communication is built on the relationship between those involved.
Common hierarchical guidelines are that parents are superior to children, teachers to students and managers to subordinates.
Monks will even walk in rank order, highest in front and most junior at the rear.
As a foreigner you may find that people ask personal questions - this is a means to identify your 'rank' rather than being nosy. They may change the way they communicate depending on your status.
Collectivism
Cambodia is a collective society - individuals take second place to the group whether this is the family, neighborhood or company.
In such societies, etiquette and protocol guidelines are used to maintain a sense of common harmony - for example subtle communication styles are employed in order to minimize the chances of causing offense to others.
The concept of face also ties in with this collective outlook. Protecting both one's own and other's face is extremely important. Face can roughly be translated as a combination of honor, dignity and public reputation that is attributed to a person. Face can be lost, given and accrued.
Foreigners in Cambodia need to be aware of the mechanics of face to ensure they do not cause anyone to lose face as a result of unintentional actions. Face is lost when someone is criticized, embarrassed or exposed in public. It can be given by complimenting someone publicly, i.e. for their business acumen or hospitality.
