As we’ve continued our language journey, one of the more interesting features of Khmer is the unique sets of vocabulary used for different “classes” of people including the elderly, children/animals, gods/kings, and monks, as well as in formal versus personal situations. The vocabulary for these “classes” differs in the verbs they use, family titles, and in how they relate to one another.
Man, it gets confusing!
Not only does this affect day-to-day language but it also affects our theology and the way we talk about God and understand Scripture. In the West, we have a very firm understanding that Jesus was human in every way that we are (Heb. 4:15) and since equity is built into our language, whether intentionally or unintentionally we talk about and relate to Jesus more in terms of Him being our friend rather than our master. On the other hand, this understanding of Jesus is difficult to get from Khmer translations of the Bible, which apply “god/king” language to the human Jesus, thus emphasizing His divinity in a way English translations cannot. Let’s look at a few examples:
- Sleeping: while the disciples were panicked over the storm, Jesus ផ្ទំ phtum on the boat (Mark 4:38). On the other hand, when the disciples were supposed to be praying and keeping watch (Mark 14:37), they ដេក dek instead (note: since the disciples are considered to be religious teachers and worthy of respect, “elderly” language is applied to them).
- Eating: after His resurrection, the physical Jesus, desiring food, សោយ saoy fish (Luke 24:43). At the Last Supper, the disciples បរិភោគ bariphok the Passover meal (Matthew 26:21).
- Dying: Paul notes that when Jesus was crucified, He សោយទិវង្គត saoytiwongkot or សុគត sokot (traditionally this has Buddhist connotations) on the cross (Romans 6:10). Paul, referring to himself, said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to ស្លាប់ slap is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
These three words just barely scratch the surface of the complexity of this classed language system! As we’ve studied more, we’ve come to appreciate the complexity of languages and how both English and Khmer present radically different ways to think about God. Neither is more correct but emphasize different things about God’s nature. That being said, we appreciate your continued prayers as we learn the language!