ABSTRACT
Khmer is the national language of Cambodia and the heritage language of over 300,000 Cambodian Americans in the United States. This chapter presents a qualitative case study of the presence and use of Khmer in Greater Los Angeles. This study includes a linguistic landscape survey of Long Beach’s Cambodia Town which analyzes the extent to which Khmer has a visible physical presence. The linguistic and cultural diversity of Cambodia Town extends beyond the concentration of Khmer speakers. The symbolic function focuses on the uses of a language for value and status in relation to other languages. Community-based Khmer heritage language programs provide another avenue for Cambodian Americans who wish to further develop their Khmer language. The library offers programs targeting Spanish-speaking patrons, and English conversation programs to help adults improve their English. Many of United Cambodian Community’s programs provide services for older residents and spaces for Khmer language use.
