7, January 2026

The Current Use of Khmer Language in School Environment: A Case Study of Students at Bac Lieu Ethnic Boarding School in Vietnam

VOLUME-10; ISSUE-1; JAN-2026

Author(s): Thu, T.T.T. Danh

Authors Affiliations:

Tra Vinh University

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202601002     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202601002


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The paper investigates the current use of the Khmer language among students at Bac Lieu Ethnic Boarding School, focusing on the phenomenon of code-mixing between Khmer and Vietnamese in everyday communication. Through surveys and interviews with 88 students and teachers, the study reveals that over 90% of students frequently mix the two languages, primarily due to limited Khmer vocabulary, lack of learning resources, and habitual convenience. While students maintain a positive attitude toward preserving Khmer as a cultural identity, its independent communicative role is declining. The research emphasizes the urgent need for systematic interventions, including integrating Khmer into the official curriculum, enriching learning materials, creating Khmer-speaking environments, and raising awareness about linguistic and cultural values. These measures aim to reduce excessive code-mixing and strengthen Khmer language competence in the context of educational and cultural integration.

Khmer language preservation, Code-mixing phenomenon, Bilingual education, Cultural identity

Thu, T.T.T. Danh (2026); The Current Use of Khmer Language in School Environment: A Case Study of Students at Bac Lieu Ethnic Boarding School in Vietnam, International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 10,   Issue –  1,  Pp.6-14.        Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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