Khmer Language Classes at UC-Berkeley

Three levels of Khmer language instruction are offered at UC-Berkeley. These classes are taught by me, Frank Smith. I've been speaking (and reading and writing) Khmer for 35 years, and teaching it for 36 years. For Fall Semester 2023, all Khmer language classes will meet via in-person instruction in B-7 Dwinelle. We will be joined by students in specially-equipped classrooms at UCLA and UC-Irvine, who will participate in the classes with us in real-time.

Due to the fact that UCI and UCLA are quarter system schools, we won't begin class officially until their quarters begin. For Fall 2023, this means we begin regular class on Thursday, September 28. Here at UC-Berkeley, so you can get to know each other and the instructor (and so you don't forget you have a class during our time slot!) we'll be meeting on August 23, when classes begin at Cal, and then several times throughout late August and September, before the rest of the students at the other campuses join us. The Beginning class will meet six times before Sept. 28, the Intermediate class will meet five times, and the Advanced class will meet five times. During these meetings, depending on your level, we'll be doing various cultural activities, or practicing speaking and reading and writing.

Beginning Khmer (Khmer 1A and 1B)
5 Semester Units (Fall + Spring). This class meets Monday through Friday, 2-2:50 pm, in B7 Dwinelle

There are no prerequisites for this class; you need no previous exposure to Khmer language or culture. In this class, you'll learn "survival level" spoken and written Khmer: greetings and pleasantries, how to talk about family and friendship, the home, food, directions and travel, work, health, the weather. You'll also learn the basics of the Khmer alphabet, be able to write letters in Khmer and simple narratives about your life, and read things like song lyrics, street signs, and simple folk tales. This class meets five days per week.

See the Fall 2023 Beginning Course Syllabus

See Examples from the Textbook

Information about the class in the UC-Berkeley Schedule of Classes

Intermediate Khmer (Khmer 100A and 100B)
5 Semester Units (Fall + Spring). This class meets Monday through Thursday, 4-5:15 pm, in B34 Dwinelle

This class is for students who can already speak "survival Khmer" (see above course description), usually learned by growing up in a Khmer family in the US. No previous reading or writing knowledge is required. In this class, you'll learn to read and write Khmer, gain experience reading a variety of texts, including folk tales, newspaper articles, proverbs, and (in Spring Semester) a Khmer novel. You'll also learn more about Khmer culture, how to speak more formally, and how to discuss topics like religion, history, and traditional literature. This class meets four days per week.

See the Fall 2023 Intermediate Course Syllabus

See Examples from the Textbook

Information about the class in the UC-Berkeley Schedule of Classes

Advanced Khmer (Khmer 101A)
3 Semester Units (Fall only). This class meets Tuesday and Thursday, 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm, in B34 Dwinelle

This class is for students who already know the basics of the Khmer writing system and can read material like folk tales, newspaper articles, have some experience reading Khmer novels or short stories, and can speak Khmer in formal, polite situations (in addition to informal/home situations). In this class, you'll read several sophisticated Khmer folk tales which deal with issues of Khmer identity and history, and read several contemporary Khmer short stories. This class meets two days per week.

See the Fall 2023 Advanced Course Syllabus

See Examples from the Textbook (same Textbook used in the Intermediate class)

Information about the class in the UC-Berkeley Schedule of Classes

Additional Information

If you're interested in taking any of the above courses and you have questions, or if you're not sure which one is right for you, contact the instructor at [email protected]