柬埔寨官方外语的变迁:基于语言政策视角

The Transition of Foreign Languages Choice in Cambodia:a Perspective of Language Strategies

本文从语言政策视角出发,结合柬埔寨语言运用的实际情况,梳理了柬埔寨官方外语选择的三个阶段:1953年至1990年,法语是最重要的外语;1991年至1998年,英语和法语成为并列的官方外语,但英语的实际需求更为强烈,由此导致教育领域的冲突和调整;1999年之后,英语彻底取代法语成为第一外语,汉语的影响也日益突显。可以预见,未来柬埔寨出于扩大援助来源的考虑,仍将把英语和法语并列为官方外语。英语作为第一外语的地位仍较为稳固,法语也将在教育、外交等领域发挥影响。与此同时,汉语正作为新兴外语崛起。

The choice of foreign languages in Cambodia, according to the regulations and practice, has un dergone three periods. From 1953 to 1990, French was regarded as the most important foreign language. From 1991 to 1998, English and French were both chosen as official foreign languages, but a higher demand for Eng- lish lead to conflicts and adjustments in academia. From 1999 on, English completely replaced French as the most widelyused foreign language, while Chinese becomes increasinglypopular. It can be expected that English would still be the foremost foreign language. French would keep influential in areas of education and diplomacy. At the same time, Chinese may rise as a new choice for Cambodians.