10.1 Greeting and Introduction in a Business Meeting
1. Pre-reading
Cultural Insight
Addressing People Formally and Respectfully in Cambodia
When addressing an individual in a formal setting or for the first time, it is advisable to use the Khmer formal title prefix លោក/អ្នកស្រី/លោកស្រី, which is equivalent to the English terms “Mr./Ms./Mrs.”
Gesture “Sampeah”
Traditionally, Khmer people do not shake hands for greetings. Khmer greetings often involve a Sampeah, which is a polite gesture involving two hands raised and put together as if in prayer and the head is bowed. It is practiced everywhere, including in business settings.
Formal and Respectful Expressions in a Business Setting
The following are some expressions suitable for formal or business settings. Read and identify which expressions are formal and respectful, and which are informal.
Now match the Khmer expressions with the English ones.
2. Reading
The Words បាទ and ចាស
បាទ (for male speakers) and ចាស (for female speakers) are the terms for the English word “yes.” They are typically used at the beginning of a word, phrase, or sentence. They are used in formal situations, or any situation that requires politeness or formality.
Examples
- ចាស អរគុណច្រើនលោក។ “Thank you very much, Sir.”
Similarly, when used in a negative context, they suggest politeness or formality.
Examples
A: សុំទោសដែលធ្វើអោយលោករងចាំ។ “I am sorry to make you wait.”
B: បាទ អត់អីទេ។ “No problem at all.”
Below are some of the expressions you will see in the following conversation during a formal business meeting. Match the Khmer expressions with the English ones, then complete the conversation using these expressions.
The speakers are the manager of Angkor Investment branch and the head of the marketing unit at Trade Ltd. Complete the conversation and then answer the following questions.
3. Post-reading
Discussion and Cultural Reflection
Instructions: Discuss the following questions in pairs or small groups.
Sokha, a branch manger of the company, is introducing a new colleague. Listen and explain whether the introduction is conducted formally or informally. Then complete the following exercises.
Transcript of the conversation.
Introducing a New Colleague © Vathanak Sok, 2025, CC BY-NC 4.0
Match the names with the correct departments/roles.
Rearrange the conversation heard.
