Khmer Language Classes for Adults

You can learn to read, write & speak Khmer.

Offering a slow and gentle approach toward learning the Khmer language, our courses focus on building a strong foundation in the reading/writing of Khmer consonants, vowels, and stories related to Cambodia’s culture and history.

This course aims to get you to start reading at a basic level by the end of Level II.

Once you are reading, you will continue to expand your Khmer vocabularies and read original material written specifically for the class.

In the intermediate Level we will start engaging by practicing speaking Khmer with each other in class.

🇰🇭📝 Class Details

Khmer Language Art: Level I & Intermediate

When: June 03rd – August 07th (8 weeks commitment)

Location: Virtual (Google Meet)

Facilitated by: ជេត ដួងដាវិឌ/Daveth Cheth, native Khmer speaker

Inquiries: ddcheth@khmeridentity.com

Level: Beginner

Price: Suggested donation of $250, but no one will be turned away if they are unable to pay. Please reach out to me if you want to take the class and need financial assistance. If you are able to pay more, please pay more to offset those that need financial assistance.

Beginner Class Description: រៀនភាសាខ្មែរ/Khmer Language Class (Beginner) is a fast paced and engaging 8 week intensive course for anyone who wants to develop a strong foundation in the Khmer language. This course will focus on the Khmer reading & writing system starting with the alphabets, basic grammar, and vocabulary. Students will leave this course with a strong understanding of the first and second series consonants, vowels, subscripts and the ability to read simple Khmer sentences.

Intermediate Class Description: Khmer Language Art (Intermediate Level) is a moderate paced and engaging 8 weeks course for anyone who wants to develop an even stronger proficiency in the Khmer language. This course will focus on the Khmer reading ,writing system, and useful daily conversation skills. Students will leave this course with an understanding of Khmer grammar, and more advanced comprehension and conversational skill.

Textbook: សៀវភៅរៀនអាន និពន្ធ ដោយ ប៉ែន សេដ្ធារិន / “Learning To Read and Write” by Pen Setharin. PDF is available at http://www.elibraryofcambodia.org/seavphov-rean-arn-ebook/

Class model

• 15 students per class max

• This is a safe, respectful space. Everyone is here to learn from each other, including myself.

• We respect everyone’s self-identification and pronouns.

• Because this is an interactive model, students are strongly encouraged to make it to class and be prepared to engage with read exercises.

• When you miss a class, please let me know ASAP so that I can get the material to you.

សូមអរគុណ/Thank you!

Online Khmer Class Offerings

Khmer Language Art (Tuesday 3:30pm PT)

June 3, 2025, 3:30 pm

Khmer Language Art (Tuesday 5:30pm PT)

June 3, 2025, 5:30 pm

Khmer Language Art (Thursday 3:30pm PT)

June 5, 2025, 3:30 pm

Khmer Language Art (Intermediate 5:30pm PT)

June 5, 2025, 5:30 pm

Private Classes Available — 1-on-1 or Small Groups

Stay updated on future offerings by Khmer Identity!

Class Details

Class is held in a 75 mins session once a week, and each week we review material covered from previous weeks.

There is optional homework for you to do at home after every class.

How much you want to get out of this class depends on how much time you are able to give to learning.

Khmer can be difficult to learn... so let's make it easy for ourselves 🥰

Khmer can be difficult because there are sounds in the language that we don’t typically use in English.

However, my approach to teaching Khmer is at a gentle, safe and comfortable pace.

While the course is for adults, the material and methodology focus on catering to the specific needs of our own individual inner child.

This is a safe learning space where you succeed and grow with the materials. You are not measured by tests, but by how fulfilled you are by the end of it.

Testimonials

"I was nervous coming into Daveth's class with my experiences as a young child. In middle school, my mom had put me into a Khmer weekend school late in the program but all of the students were ahead and the teacher expected students to share their answers right away on their whiteboards. My sister and I quit shortly after and learned from our aunts until school got busy.

Fast forward to now, I have been wanting to get back into learning how to read, write, and speak Khmer. I am so happy that I came across Daveth's class because he is incredibly inclusive and patient with all of his students. Daveth expects us to make mistakes and to lean on his support if we are confused about a particular sound, word, or sentence."

"Before taking Daveth’s class, I’d tried taking live and self-paced Khmer classes. I didn’t it make past a few classes because of a lack of accountability. Not the case with Daveth’s classes. His compassionate, non-judgmental teaching style creates a balanced environment of guidance and accountability. We each get as much space as we need for our writing, reading, and speaking exercises. I personally love the cultural touchstones and context he includes in our lessons; it’s so refreshing to learn about my ancestral culture without the pressure of filial duty. Thanks for holding space for this journey!"

"I am so grateful for the availability of Cambodian (Khmer) language courses through a warm, compassionate, and knowledgeable teacher. As a new student who is learning how to read, write, and speak in Khmer, Daveth was very patient and empowered me to learn at my own pace and style. No matter your level, I highly recommend enrolling in Daveth’s Khmer language courses. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet other Cambodians, who are just as motivated to get in touch with their roots."

"I am grateful that I got to practice reading, writing, and speaking with Daveth. I've been insecure about my lacking ability to speak in Khmer, but he was patient with me and encouraged me along this journey. Daveth created a welcoming space, and I looked forward to our weekly classes where I never felt judged. He has helped me improve my language skills, and I have new ways to explore my identity. I have lots more to learn, but I now know that I have the courage to do so."

"I have been a student of Daveth’s since March 2021 and am now in his intermediate class. I am Cambodian-American, who speaks very little Khmer, but can comprehend a conversation, and do not know how to read and write.

I have taken many Khmer lessons through my life but it never stuck nor was I disciplined to continue practicing.

Since I have been taking Daveth’s class, it’s been a whirlwind of so much gratitude, growth, and a lot of self reflection. His lessons are at a great pace and thoughtfully planned out for beginners and all levels. I am never overwhelmed nor anxious. Now, I am able to perfect my pronunciation and read short sentences. I would totally recommend and giving it a try. You won’t be disappointed."

"Good class structure and very welcoming environment! Daveth moves at a comfortable pace that makes learning a new script less daunting. The class is more than just learning how to read and write-- interesting topics and great discussions about Khmer history and culture. I have taken Khmer class level I-III and would 100% recommend."

This class is led by Daveth Cheth, a native Khmer speaker.

Daveth was born in Cambodia and moved to the US at the age of 10 where he learned English as his second language, understanding what Khmer people living in diaspora need in their reconnection to the Khmer language.

Language shapes the world that we live in. There are so many stories and customs in Khmer that will be forgotten if we don’t preserve our Khmer language skill. Take this course and pass this skill down to children in your family.

Khmer Identity — Khmer Language Classes for Adults