Culture In Cambodia

Cambodian culture has a rich and diverse history of the past few centuries, and was greatly influenced by India. Throughout the long history of Cambodia, the main source of inspiration was from religion. Each of the countries in the world has different cultures and how they preserve their culture. Khmer culture is very hierarchical. The greater the age, the greater the level of respect that should be given to them. Most of the population in Cambodia is still a closed-minded in dealing with culture or status among them. When husband and wife become too old to support themselves, they may invite the youngest families to move and take over the conduct of household. At this stage in their lives, they enjoy a high status position.

Individual Khmer is surrounded by a small circle of family and friends that form or the closest associates, those he would approach first for help. Family consisting of husband and wife and their children who are unmarried, is the most important relationship. In these units are strong emotional ties, security assistance if a problem, economic cooperation in labour, sharing of revenue and income, and contributions as a ritual obligation of the unit. In rural communities, neighbours who are often also his possible role. In rural Cambodia, the Khmer may develop a strong relationship-other than those to the nuclear family is a close and members of other friends local communities. Strong feelings of pride, village, district, and province-usually described Cambodian community life.

In the world of technology today, Cambodian Cham ethnic community no longer has an active tradition of performing arts. Instead, the Chinese community associations in Cambodia has the lion dance team performs during the Lunar New Year and other Chinese festivals.

Each of the hill tribes living in the Cambodian border has its own unique music and dance traditions, which works in conjunction with the production of art objects to please the spirit and social rejoice in the life of the community. Believe it or not, they still believe in the existence of the healer. Most of Cambodia's ethnic minorities still retain the shaman to intercede on their behalf with the spirits. These perform a special ritual and trance-dance with the accompaniment of ritual music. Most of Cambodia’s hill tribes have their own dances, which originated largely as a festive event each day and free time. Most of them have been adapted to theatre for more than 50years ago.
Cambodian Etiquette and Customs

Meeting & Greeting * Greetings between Cambodians are dependent on the relationship/hierarchy/age between the people. * The traditional greeting is a bow combined with a bringing of the hands together at chest level (similar to bringing hands together for prayer). * With foreigners Cambodians have adopted the western practice of shaking hands. * If one intends to show greater respect the bow is lower and the hands brought higher.
Dining Etiquette * Table manners are fairly formal. * If unconfident with the dos and don'ts simply follow what others do. * When invited to the dining table wait to be told where to sit as you would not want to upset any hierarchical arrangements. * Do not begin eating until the eldest person starts.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Cambodia

Meeting and Greeting * As Cambodia is a hierarchical culture the business world follows suit in terms of protocol and behaviours. * Respect and deference must always be shown to the most senior person. * When meeting a group you will be introduced to the highest ranking person, similarly you should have the most senior of your group greet them. * If men are dealing with women they should wait and see if they extend a hand before doing so. Eye contact should be kept to a minimum.
Business Meetings * Building a relationship on mutual trust is crucial so initially time should be invested in getting to know your counterparts. * Small talk should always be employed at the beginning of meetings. * Cambodians are very indirect communicators so some reading between the lines is a necessary skill. * In fact if Cambodians disagree with someone they would rather remain silent than make any comment. * Cambodians prefer ideas to be brought forward in a gentle way and to wait for others to respond. * Non-verbal behaviour is just as important to be aware of. For example, smiling in Cambodia is situational and can have many meanings; it may mean a person does not understand what has been said, they are nervous or even irritated. * Showing emotions is considered a negative behaviour. Anger, impatience or frustration should be hidden as it would lead to a loss of face.