Learning Guide
Khmer Alphabet
The Khmer script, derived from the ancient Brahmi script, has 33 consonants (including 32 subconsonants), 24 dependent vowels, 13 independent vowels, and several diacritical symbols. Vowels can appear before, after, above, or below consonants. Although efforts have been made to standardize spelling, inconsistencies remain, and a two-volume dictionary, edited by Venerable Chuon Nath, is a reference for Khmer lexicography. Finally, Khmer is divided into three historical phases: Early Khmer (7th–12th centuries), Middle Khmer (12th–17th centuries), and Modern Khmer (17th century to present). The oldest Khmer inscription, dating from 611 AD, was found at Angkor Borei.
អក្សរខ្មែរ
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How it works?
- Form a syllable
- Khmer Alphabet
- - Consonants
- - Sub-consonants
- - Vowels
- Learn with a course
Introduction
The Khmer script, used to transcribe Cambodia's official language, has a rich and complex history stretching back many centuries. Its origins lie in the Pallava and Cālukya scripts of southern India, themselves derived from the brāhmi writing system. The Indian influence on Khmer script is the result of the Indianization of the Indochinese peninsula, a process that began as early as the 2nd century AD, bringing with it cultural and linguistic elements such as Sanskrit and Pāli. The first inscriptions in Khmer date from the 7th century, with Old Khmer inscriptions dating back to 611 CE. Over time, Khmer script evolved, incorporating influences from neighboring languages and cultures, particularly after the decline of the Khmer Empire. This evolution manifested itself in changes to the morphology, phonology and lexicon of the Khmer language, particularly during the Middle Khmer period (14th to 18th centuries), when borrowings from Thai were integrated into the literary register. Despite these external influences, Khmer writing has preserved its unique cultural identity while adapting to historical and cultural changes.
The Khmer alphabet is an alphasyllabic system made up of 33 consonants, divided into two series based on their inherent vowel sounds: the /ɑː/ series and the /ɔː/ series. These consonants are further categorized into two groups: 15 “light” or “open” consonants, and 18 ‘heavy’ or “muted” consonants. This division plays a crucial role in the phonetic structure of the language, influencing syllable formation and pronunciation. The Khmer script also includes 24 dependent vowels and several independent and diacritical vowels. Khmer syllable formation is unique: each syllable must contain at least one consonant, and vowels can be placed to the left, right, above or below the consonant. A particular feature is the use of “sub-consonants” or “consonant feet”, where a second consonant, if present, is written below the first. Furthermore, the absence of spaces between words in Khmer script adds to the complexity of reading, as spaces are used to indicate pauses rather than word boundaries. This complex syllabic structure, combined with the rich history of Khmer script, makes it a fascinating and unique writing system, reflecting the depth of Cambodian culture and history.
How it works?
The Khmer alphabet is made up of 33 consonants, 32 sub-consonants and 24 vowels. Since all Khmer words are made up of syllables, let's take a look at how a syllable is composed.
- A syllable can contain the three types of letters
- A syllable must always contain a consonant
- The sub-consonant always goes below a consonant
- The vowel can be placed to the right, left, above or below the consonant.
