Cambodia - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture

Don't just see the sights— get to know the people. Say "Cambodia," and two associations often come to mind: the lost glories of Angkor, and the horrors of the Khmer Rouge. Any understanding of Cambodia today, however, must embrace these opposites, as well as the changing attitudes within the country caused by something of a demographic revolution— today, close to seventy percent of Cambodians are under thirty. In the past, Cambodia was the center of the Khmer empire. For six hundred years it ruled much of what is now Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand from its capital at Angkor. The ruins of the Khmer palaces, temples, and cities testify to its power, wealth, high culture, and engineering prowess, while their subsequent abandonment and long obscurity provide a sobering example of civilization's fragility. Today, Cambodia is negotiating its rich and complex past with the challenges of modernity in a globalized world. Culture Smart! Cambodia is for all those who want to do more than just scratch the surface of this fascinating country. Thoroughly updated, this new edition will enrich your understanding of the land and its people. It explains the key values, attitudes, customs, and traditions that you need to be aware of and provides practical tips and vital information on how to make the most of your time in Cambodia. Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas. Front Cover Title Page About the Author Contents Map of Cambodia Introduction Key Facts 1. Land and People • Geography • Climate • The People • A Brief History • The Economy • Covid-19 • Government 2. Values and Attitudes • The Family • Consensus and Harmony • Courtesy and Saving Face • Attitudes to Time • Attitudes to Outsiders • Attitudes to Asian Neighbors • Attitudes to Minorities • Safety and Corruption • Relationships, Dating, and Sex • LGBTQ 3. Customs and Traditions • Religions of Cambodia • Festivals and National Celebrations • Rites of Passage 4. Making Friends • Making Connections • Greeting • Dress • Invitations Home • Dos and Don'ts 5. At Home • Housing • Daily Life and Routine • Shopping • The Family • Education • Invitations Home • Table Manners • Entertaining • Help at Home 6. Time Out • Traditional Culture • Music • Wats and Pagodas • Sports, Games, and Clubs • Food and Drink • Eating Out • Nightlife • Shopping for Pleasure • Markets • Photography 7. Travel, Health, and Safety • Arrival • Travel Within the Country • Health and Medical Care • Safety • Places to Visit • The Temple Complex of Angkor 8. Business Briefing • Business Culture • Office Etiquette and Protocol • Management Style • Business Cards • Meetings and Greetings • Negotiations • Speeches and Presentations • Bureaucracy and Corruption • Women in Business • Working Within the System • Blessing the Project 9. Communicating • Language • Forms of Address • Face-to-Face • Humor • Body Language • Cell Phones and SIM Cards • Internet • Social Media • Mail • The Media • Conclusion Useful Words and Phrases Useful Apps Further Reading Picture Credits Copyright Index Acknowledgements