How to live well in Cambodia

 

Bothwell Riside 

I would like to share a few insights regarding my experiences in Cambodia. These are observations I have made during my time here and I hope they will be helpful to others.

1. Smiling: It is important to smile when interacting with local people as this can help to convey a friendly and non-threatening demeanour. Some people for me, have a naturally aggressive tone in their voice, which can sometimes be misinterpreted as anger. Smiling can help to dispel this notion, especially when speaking to the Khmers.

2. Showing Respect: The local people in Cambodia appreciate it when you greet them with your hands placed together and a bow. Speaking a little bit of Khmer can also make them feel honoured and valued. They often feel that they are disliked by others, so a kind gesture can go a long way.

3. Communication: It is common for Khmers to say "don't have" or "otmean" when communicating with you. This may be because they have not fully understood what is being said. Even students do the same. They may just say, "No". With the language barrier, it may be embarrassing for them to keep on asking for clarification. To avoid misunderstandings, it is best to re-explain what you are trying to communicate, possibly with the aid of pictures or illustrations. In most cases, if they say "no," they actually do have what you are looking for.

4. Interacting in Shops: When entering shops, the customer attendants may follow you or simply ask, "Can I help you?" This is not intended to be rude, but rather to make you as comfortable as possible. The Khmers are kind-hearted people who love people and are not as racist as one might think. However, it is important to know that government officials may try to capitalize on any opportunity to extract money from you. This is not because of racism, but because they want to make a profit.

5. Voice Projection: People from Africa, and America have a naturally thick and loud voices. This is because they are tall and big. Of course, you can't expect them to speak like a toddler. Neither should you expect a truck to produce the same sound output as the scooter? However, when speaking to Khmers, it is important to speak in a quiet and gentle tone. Speaking too loudly or shouting can make them feel uncomfortable and may be perceived as aggressive. To avoid this, it is best to speak softly, especially when speaking over the phone or with peers.

6. Making an Impression: It is important to be mindful of your behaviour as you are a representative of your country. People may judge your entire nation based on the actions of one individual. Remember how some nationals, we all know have made a bad name not only for their countries but for the entire region and etc. It is essential to avoid criminal activities and to conduct yourself in a positive and professional manner. Negative comments about your country should also be avoided as this can impact the perception of your country in a negative way.

7. Being United: It is unfortunate that politicians have divided people based on racial, tribal, political, and economic lines. However, it is important to put aside these differences and come together when faced with challenges or difficulties.

In conclusion, I hope these insights will be useful for those who are planning to visit or live in Cambodia. If you have any additional insights, I would be grateful if you could share them in the comments section.

Thank you.