KH
Kingdom of Cambodia
Cambodia
Summary
Official Name
Kingdom of Cambodia
International Conventions
CPPDCE (2007), CSICH (2006), ICCPR (1992), UNCRPD (2012), UNDRIP (2007)
Population
16,927,000
Principal Languages
Khmer
Literacy Rate
81% (2015 UNESCO)
General References
Bradley 2007a, Campbell and King 2011, Diffloth and Zide 1992, Lebar et al 1964, Thomas and Headley 1970, Voegelin and Voegelin 1977, Wurm and Hattori 1981
Language Counts
The number of established languages listed for Cambodia is 28. All are living languages. Of these, 21 are indigenous and 7 are non-indigenous. Furthermore, 4 are institutional, 8 are developing, 4 are vigorous, 6 are in trouble, and 6 are dying. Also listed are 4 unestablished languages.
Languages
- Brao brb
- Ratanakiri province: Ta Veaeng district, north of Sesan river. Users: 9,030 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). About 2,000 of the Brao counted in the census are Brao Tanap, which is actually more similar to Krung [krr]. 4,520 monolinguals (2009). Ethnic population: 9,030 (2009). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Braou, Brou, Lave, Laveh, Love, Proue Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Brao-Kravet
- Cambodian Sign Language csx
- Scattered, mostly in and around Phnom Penh. Users: 7,500 (Woodward et al 2015c). Estimated 1,500 deaf signers up to possibly 13,000 (Woodward et al 2015c:160). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: CBDSL, CSL, Cambodia Sign Language, KSL, Khmer Sign Language Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
- Cham, Western cja
- Scattered, nearly half of the Cham in Cambodia live in Kampong Cham and Tbong Khmum provinces, where they are about 6% of the total population. Cham also live dispersed through all other provinces especially Kampong Chhnang and Kratié provinces. Users: 249,000 in Cambodia (2019 J. Leclerc). No monolinguals. Total users in all countries: 312,500. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cambodian Cham, Cham, New Cham, Tjam Autonym: Chăm Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Malayo-Chamic, Chamic, Coastal, Cham
- Chinese, Hakka hak
- Ratanakiri and Stung Treng provinces: border areas, 2 enclaves along Sesan river. Users: 500 in Cambodia (2011 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese
- Chinese, Mandarin cmn
- Scattered, especially in major cities. Users: 2,100 in Cambodia (2019 J. Leclerc). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese
- Chinese, Min Nan nan
- Scattered. Users: 209,000 in Cambodia (2019 J. Leclerc). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Banlamgi, Minnan, Southern Min Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese
- Chinese, Yue yue
- Battambang and Kampong Cham provinces. Users: 20,000 in Cambodia (2011 SIL). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese
- Chong cog
- Koh Kong province: possibly Areng valley and scattered. Users: No known L1 speakers in Cambodia. Ethnic population: 1,200 (2015 The Cambodian Daily). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Khmer Chong Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Pearic, Western, Chong
- Chung scq
- Preah Sihanouk province: near Kampong Saom bay, east coast, but inland. Users: 10 in Cambodia (2009 J. Filipi), decreasing. Ethnic population: 450. Total users in all countries: 30. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Pearic, Western, Chong
- English eng
- Major cities. Users: 3,502,360 in Cambodia, all users. L1 users: 2,360 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). L2 users: 3,500,000 (2016 R. Salin). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English
- French fra
- Scattered. Users: 473,600 in Cambodia, all users. L1 users: 16,600 in Cambodia (2019 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 457,000 (2020). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Barang, Français Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French
- Hindi hin
- Users: 1,700 in Cambodia (2019 J. Leclerc). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Western Hindi, Hindustani
- Jarai jra
- Ratanakiri province: principally Andoung Meas, Bar Kaev, and Ou Ya Dav districts; northeast border near Viet Nam. Users: 20,800 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cho-Rai, Chor, Chrai, Djarai, Gia-Rai, Gio-Rai, Jo’rai, Mthur Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Malayo-Chamic, Chamic, Highlands
- Kachok xkk
- Ratanakiri province: Andoung Meas district, Phum In village and 7 other villages; Veun Sai district, Kaoh Piek village. Users: 5,740 (2020 B. Aem), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kachah’, Kaco’ Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, North Bahnaric
- Kavet krv
- Stung Treng province: Siem Pang district; Ratanakiri province: Veun Sai district. Users: 6,220 (2009 UNSD). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Convet, Kaaveat, Khrak, Khvek, Kowet, Kraeth, Kravet, Kraveth Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Brao-Kravet
- Khmer khm
- Widespread. Users: 16,300,000 in Cambodia, all users. L1 users: 15,300,000 in Cambodia (2020). L2 users: 1,000,000. Total users in all countries: 17,951,230 (as L1: 16,951,230; as L2: 1,000,000). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (1993, Constitution, Article 5). Alternate Names: Cambodian, Central Khmer Autonym: ខ្មែរ (Khmer) Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Khmer
- Kraol rka
- Kratié province: Sambour district, Srae Chis commune; Mondolkiri province: Kaoh Nheaek district, Roya commune. Users: 4,200 (2009 UNSD). 4,200 monolinguals (2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, South Bahnaric, Sre-Mnong, Mnong, Southern-Central Mnong
- Krung krr
- Ratanakiri province: Laos border area, mainly between Sesan and Sprepok rivers; Stung Treng province: southeast corner. Users: 20,700 (2009 UNSD). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Brao Krung, Kreung, Kru’ng Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Brao-Kravet
- Kuay kdt
- Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear provinces: Sen river area; Kratié province: isolated area east of Kratié city on Mekong river; Stung Treng province: west of Mekong river. Users: 10,000 in Cambodia. Ethnic population: 37,700 (2007 E. Pawley). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Kui, Kuy Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Kuay
- Lao lao
- Banteay Meanchey province: 3 enclaves between Thai border and Sisophon city; Prey Veng province; Stung Treng province: between Laos border and Kong river; Svay Rieng province. Users: 18,500 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Kra-Dai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern
- Lao Phuon phu
- Banteay Meanchey province: Mongkol Borei district, Boung Preang, Kok Thnong, Pong Ror, Pouy Ta Sek, Prey To Teang, Rohat Teak, Sdey Kraom, Sdey Leu, Sranal, and Ta Sal villages. Users: 1,000 in Cambodia (Kev and Ly 2009). Ethnic population: 2,000 (Kev and Ly 2009). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Kra-Dai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern
- Mel-Khaonh hkn
- Kratié province: Kracheh and Sambour districts. Users: Ethnic population: 3,670 (2016 SIL). 3,295 Mel and 375 Khaonh (2016 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, South Bahnaric, Stieng-Chrau
- Mnong, Central cmo
- Kratié province: northeast and central; Mondolkiri province. Users: 37,500 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Budong, Bunong, Phanong, Phnong, Pnong Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, South Bahnaric, Sre-Mnong, Mnong, Southern-Central Mnong
- Pear pcb
- Preah Vihear province: Rovieng district, 3–4 villages. Users: 1,670 (2011). Ethnic population: 1,830 (2008 census). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Por Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Pearic, Eastern
- Samre sxm
- Siem Reap province: Siem Reap town area north of Lake Sap. Users: No known L1 speakers in Cambodia. Ethnic population: 200 (2000 D. Bradley). Total users in all countries: 10. Status: 9 (Dormant). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Pearic, Western, Samre
- Somray smu
- Battambang province: Phumi Chhak Rokar area; Koh Kong province: far north; Pursat province: 2 areas, north, east, and west of Phum Tasanh, and Tanyong river around Phum Pra Moi. Users: 4,100 (2005 J. Ironside). Status: 8a (Moribund). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Pearic, Western, Samre
- Stieng, Bulo sti
- Kratié province: Snuol district; possibly southern Mondolkiri province. Users: 6,540 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kajiang Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, South Bahnaric, Stieng-Chrau
- Su’ung syo
- Kampong Speu and Pursat provinces: Phumi Krang Trachak area. Users: 300 (Bradley 2007b), decreasing. Status: 8a (Moribund). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Pearic, Western, Suoy
- Tampuan tpu
- Ratanakiri province: Sesan river area south to Srepok river. Users: 31,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Campuon, Proon, Proons, Tamphuan, Tampuen, Tampuon, “Kha Tampuon” (pej.) Autonym: តំពួន (Tampuon) Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, Central Bahnaric
- Thai tha
- Banteay Meanchey province: between Sisophon and Paoy Pet on Thai border (Thai Norkor Raja); Koh Kong province: west of Meleuk river (Thai Koh Kong). Users: 2,460 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Classification: Kra-Dai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern
- Vietnamese vie
- Phnom Penh; generally dispersed longstanding population; communities in urban areas, including Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk, Ta Khmau, others. Users: 817,800 in Cambodia, all users. L1 users: 72,800 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). L2 users: 745,000 (2019 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Tiếng Việt Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Vietnamese
Languages by Status
Khmer
[khm] 1 (National). Statutory national language (1993, Constitution, Article 5). 16,300,000 in Cambodia, all users. L1 users: 15,300,000 in Cambodia (2020). L2 users: 1,000,000. Total users in all countries: 17,951,230 (as L1: 16,951,230; as L2: 1,000,000).
Thai
[tha] 5* (Dispersed). 2,460 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD).
Vietnamese
[vie] 5 (Dispersed). 817,800 in Cambodia, all users. L1 users: 72,800 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). L2 users: 745,000 (2019 J. Leclerc).
Brao
[brb] 5 (Developing). 9,030 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). About 2,000 of the Brao counted in the census are Brao Tanap, which is actually more similar to Krung [krr]. 4,520 monolinguals (2009). Ethnic population: 9,030 (2009).
Cham, Western
[cja] 5 (Developing). 249,000 in Cambodia (2019 J. Leclerc). No monolinguals. Total users in all countries: 312,500.
Mnong, Central
[cmo] 5 (Developing). 37,500 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD).
Cambodian Sign Language
[csx] 5* (Developing). 7,500 (Woodward et al 2015c). Estimated 1,500 deaf signers up to possibly 13,000 (Woodward et al 2015c:160).
Jarai
[jra] 5 (Developing). 20,800 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD).
Tampuan
[tpu] 5 (Developing). 31,000 (2009 UNSD).
Chinese, Hakka
[hak] 6a* (Vigorous). 500 in Cambodia (2011 SIL).
Kraol
[rka] 6a (Vigorous). 4,200 (2009 UNSD). 4,200 monolinguals (2009).
Kachok
[xkk] 6a (Vigorous). 5,740 (2020 B. Aem), increasing.
Mel-Khaonh
[hkn] 6b (Threatened). Ethnic population: 3,670 (2016 SIL). 3,295 Mel and 375 Khaonh (2016 SIL).
Krung
[krr] 6b* (Threatened). 20,700 (2009 UNSD).
Kavet
[krv] 6b* (Threatened). 6,220 (2009 UNSD).
Lao
[lao] 6b* (Threatened). 18,500 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD).
Lao Phuon
[phu] 6b* (Threatened). 1,000 in Cambodia (Kev and Ly 2009). Ethnic population: 2,000 (Kev and Ly 2009).
Stieng, Bulo
[sti] 6b* (Threatened). 6,540 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD).
Kuay
[kdt] 7 (Shifting). 10,000 in Cambodia. Ethnic population: 37,700 (2007 E. Pawley).
Language Vitality Profile

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Language Status Profile

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