Local Languages in Education in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand

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Not Available Online
Authors: 
Issue Date: 
2004-04
Conference: 
Conference on Multilingualism in the Classroom – European and Asian Perspectives, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 7 – 8 April 2004
Extent: 
20 pages
Abstract: 
Three Southeast Asian nations Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand share much of their geography, history, culture, religion and language. More than a hundred languages are spoken within the borders of these countries. Not all speakers of these languages have sufficient knowledge of languages used in education, in most cases the respective national languages, Khmer, Lao and Thai. Therefore, many speakers of local languages are underprivileged in terms of educational access, retention and achievement. This paper will discuss and compare language-in-education policy and practice in these three nations. The focus will be on local minority languages and basic education. The paper will discuss encouraging developments and outline regional trends in the use of local languages in education. The paper will conclude with a discussion of similarities and differences in approaches that the three countries have chosen in dealing with education of ethnic minority populations.
Publication Status: 
Draft (posted 'as is' without peer review)
Country: 
Cambodia
Laos
Thailand
Content Language: 
Work Type: 
Nature of Work: 
Entry Number: 
65129