- Intercultural misunderstandings or tensions and strategies to overcome these.
Cambodia has extremely traditional cultural values, many of which are not considered to be important or even exist in a Western society such as Australia. Unfortunately travelling to places like Cambodia where etiquette gestures and language are perceived and understood differently, misunderstandings of rudeness and meanings may arise, thus it is important to train yourself before travelling to not do anything that could be considered rude or offensive, or make you appear negatively. Here are examples of gestures or behavioural traits that can create negative connotations to Khmer people, so you can know what to ovoid and how to counteract any issues that arise.
Furthermore, here are gestures or attitudes that have positive values in Cambodian culture, so remember these in order to show respect and appreciation for Khmer culture; your time will be far more pleasurable if you can connect to the Khmer people and show your thanks and be polite, as this is what you will receive in return.
Cambodia has extremely traditional cultural values, many of which are not considered to be important or even exist in a Western society such as Australia. Unfortunately travelling to places like Cambodia where etiquette gestures and language are perceived and understood differently, misunderstandings of rudeness and meanings may arise, thus it is important to train yourself before travelling to not do anything that could be considered rude or offensive, or make you appear negatively. Here are examples of gestures or behavioural traits that can create negative connotations to Khmer people, so you can know what to ovoid and how to counteract any issues that arise.
- In the Western world we are constantly concerned for time, and consider people rude and look down on those who arrive late, especially when not notifying us or apologising. However in Cambodia, the Khmer people have a much more relaxed approach to time, therefore do not be offended if someone arrives late, as time does not control how they go about their lives, therefore they do not place as much emphasise on conserving it as the Western world does.
- To shout at someone in public in Cambodia is considered extremely rude and offensive, so be sure to wait until you are out of the public eye to resolve any issues.
- Never touch another person, especially a child, on the head, as the head is considered to be the most sacred and holy part of the body, thus touching it is degrading and dispiritualising. The head is also believed to hold the soul of the individual.
- As the feet are the dirtiest and least sacred part of the human body, it is considered extremely rude and offensive to show the underside of your feet to people, so be careful as even sitting down at crossing your leg can show the underside of your feet. This is especially important as crossed legs are seen as a sign of disrespect.
- In regards to feet being dirty, it is important to never lift ones feet over another's head; this is degrading to the sacredness of the pillar of the human body.
- Never enter a home or temple with shoes on.
- Do not bring up conversations about politics or business during dinner at a Khmer family house.
- Keep public displays of affection to a minimum or non at all, as this is frowned upon.
- The left hand is used for going to the bathroom and is thus dirty; refrain from using the left hand to receive or give anything to Khmer or other people whilst in public.
- Eating in front of a monk after noon is disrespectful as monks are not allowed to eat after this time.
- Women are never to touch or hand anything to monks, irregardless of connection to them.
- Refrain from wearing any radical clothing, as clothing is part of fitting in to Khmer society, not for expressing individuality as it is in the Western world, and thus any clothing that is surprising or does not fit in is looked at negatively by Khmer people.
Furthermore, here are gestures or attitudes that have positive values in Cambodian culture, so remember these in order to show respect and appreciation for Khmer culture; your time will be far more pleasurable if you can connect to the Khmer people and show your thanks and be polite, as this is what you will receive in return.
- Sampeah: Pressing hands and fingers together and bowing is a greeting or gesture of respect. When doing this, say 'Susaday' which furthers the greeting.
- Hold hands higher to bow when greeting an elder or monk to show further respect.
- Remember to greet people with compliments as this is highly valued.
- Ensure that when receiving a gift, initially refuse, though it will be offered again, and this time graciously accept.
- Use your right hand for eating or dealing with business matters, as well as gesturing to people with the palm facing upwards, as pointing using the index finger as the Western world does is not accepted.
- Be sure to dress conservatively despite the heat, and women should never show their shoulders or portray their legs in an open or sexual manner.
- Enable all elders and monks to be given the uttermost respect, by allowing them to control the conversation and walk in front of you.
- Be sure to sit below monks, and if they are seated, sit as well before starting a conversation.
- Bringing gifts to peoples homes such as flowers or candy is appreciated and expected.
- Respect meals by not speaking, as food is incredibly special in Cambodia, especially after the Khmer Rouge where the Khmer people were starving.
- Feel free to hold hands with people of the same sex, as this is a positive gesture of friendship.
- Standing with arms crossed at the waist is a sign of respect, and hands by ones side are a sign of strength, therefore be mindful of your body language, far more so than you would be in a Western society.
- Accept that personal space is undervalued in Cambodian culture, therefore be easy-going about lots of people cramming together and people being very close to you while in discussion or greeting one another. To not accept their closeness is rude and disrespectful.