I've seen your concern about changes, Kanara. That I mean English has changed your life does have to do with the way you study, work and interact socially with other people but your nationalism. Just like Panharath's ideas, people here do not forget about their identity. It depends on who you are and what ideas you have adopted through your life experieince.
I agree that if Cambodia were a superpower like the US or China, our language would be spoken by so many people. Don't forget about globalization either. Right now, nothing can be mentioned on the international stage without the English things. You cannot broaden the horizon of your knowledge without knowing English.
When they get benefits from English, they no longer value whatever belong to Khmers.
If you know English, you can watch or read foreign patriots' act of diligence or how those developed countries develop their own countries. Don't you consider this before you denounce the language, Kanara. The fact is that you can't embrace all your culture. Nothing remains without change and of course to develop yourself, your family and your country, you cannot just preserve your culture only but put in use some advantageous foreign culture. Look at the way you dress and the way you socialize with people. But I know you are trying hard not to lose your identity.
Actually, English does not change your life, but your actions or behavior that change your life.
This sentence is interesting. You're right, and I don't say you're wrong.
Your action and behaviour come from what? They come from your thought (mind) which controls your action. Your thought comes from thinking and your absorbing information from various sources. It's world-wide known that the language acquisition is so essential in developing intelligence. This is an endless process of living and learning.
That's why some people here start to value American film than Khmer's. Even though our Khmer film is boring, but we should be proud of it. Don't look down on it. You know what ? A friend of mine who is Japanese visit Cambodia last year, she asked me where can she watch Khmer movie?? She knows that Khmer movie is not intresting, but she insist to watch it. Why? Cos she wants to know what is belong to Khmer. We have one Khmer proverb "kom chhlouk teuk ma sin"
Like Panharath, I think current Khmer movies are disqualified. The old ones produced in the 60s and 70s are so interesting and fun to see. "Kom Chhlouk Teuk Masin' comes from a story of a young girl going to a city, forgeting about her early life and blindly enjoying her present status. This is good to consider its real use.
And did your Japanese friend speak to you in English? How did you get the idea that she's interested to watch Cambodian films? Isn't it because of your English that your mind is broader?
I think Panharath is right. Life matter consists of carreers and everything else. Your carrer affects your life as it tells where you are going. You have your points, Kanara, and I can't say that your ideas are wrong. They are appreciated here. I'm glad there's a nationalist somewhere in Cambodia. Last but not least, I want to say, English has changed someone's life because it has helped that person to realize their own truly potential, which boosts their own performance in life. This also saves the country.
