Before my last trip to Cambodia, I had taken some khmer language classes (with my kids) and listened to tapes and even a computer CD! Despite all the practice, I found it impossible to say certain vowels and consonants and words. At best, I can only say a few phrases and it was difficult for Cambodians to understand me. Here in the US, my khmer teacher taught me a song — “Arapyah Yah” and I have DVD so I was able to practice it before I went over. Nonetheless, if I wanted to make Cambodians laugh hysterically, all I had to do was sing that song and attempt to dance … What was really funny, a few khmer friends took the time to write out the words of the song for me (but in KHMER!).

My writing in Khmer is also really slow … I’m still using the first year primer … I would do better if I had khmer keyboard and installed the fonts ….