Translators - Electronic > Translation by Language > Minor Languages > Cambodian

The language is rather fluid, with dialects varying widely inside Cambodia. Most of these dialects are not tonal. Some common features among the dialects of Cambodian:

• The verb doesn't inflect.
• The stress is nearly always on the second syllable; its location doesn't confer meaning.
• Like English, it follows a subject–verb–object word order.

If you're an American traveling to Cambodia, you will likely encounter some French speakers and maybe English speakers. If you do encounter English speakers,that doesn't mean easy communication. Some tips on speaking English in Cambodia (can also help in the USA!):

• Clearly annunciate your ending consonants. Midwesterners in the USA tend not to do this.
• Use short words. They are easier to understand.
• Speak a bit more slowly than usual. Your Cambodian counterpart can probably understand your rapid speech, but the opposite may not be true. By speaking more slowly and deliberately, you help slow the other person down so you can understand.
• Avoid slang.
• If you don't quite understand, ask the other person to repeat. But don't shout. The problem isn't deafness, but a difference in articulation.
• Use the correct date format. In the USA, many people use a date format that is unclear to the rest of the world. Rather than say "3-9-2014," say "09 MAR 2012" or "03 SEP 2012" depending on which date you actually mean.

The typical way it's used:

1. You look up a word or a phrase.
2. You use the phonetic results to pronounce the word or phrase to the other person

Alternatively, the other person can use the device to answer you. Remember, it translates in any direction. The controls are in English, so you may need to show the other person how to use it. This is pretty easy to do.

Some specifications:

• Voice Output
• Translates Over 1 Million Words
• 100,000 Useful and Popular Phrases
• New Oxford American Dictionary
• 8 Currency Conversions
• 8 Metric Conversions
• Local Time 12/24 Hour Format
• Voice / Memo Recorder
• World Time in 360 Cities
• 8 Travel Games:
  Soduko, Kakuro, Decoder, Mines, Number Slide,
  Totem Pole, 24, Number Puzzle.
• 8 line display with LED backlight.
• Clear Sound Quality
• FM scan radio
• Maintains history and favorites list
• Carrying Case Included
• Ear Buds Included
• Powered by 2 "AAA" batteries (Included)
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Size: 7.0" x 2.0" x 9.5" In.
• Six Month Warranty

More specs and information