Chhany Sak-Humphry is an associate professor in the Department of Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures at UH Manoa. (Photo: Courtesy of Chhany Sak-Humphry)Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Monday, 06 September 2010
“If we have made such an effort and they applaud us like this, then we have to continue to do more for others to have the ability to teach our Khmer language in other universities.”A Cambodian professor in the state of Hawaii has been given a distinguished award for the creation of a Khmer-language program there.
Chhany Sak Humphry was awarded the Regent's Medal for Excellence in Teaching at the University of Hawaii for her work building the language program over nearly 25 years, said John Mayer, director of the Indo-Pacific Department of Languages and Literature at the university.
Humphry, who is 57, had created “the best Cambodian program in the US,” he said, through an online program, text book and CD.
Humphry has lived in Hawaii since the early 1970s, following a scholarship from the East-West Center. She received a PhD in linguistics and now teaches Khmer at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Humphry told VOA Khmer the award meant she would “commit more to help our Khmer language move forward.”
“If we have made such an effort and they applaud us like this, then we have to continue to do more for others to have the ability to teach our Khmer language in other universities,” she said.
Her program consists of four levels—in vowels, consonants, writing, listening and speaking—and takes four years to complete. At least 1,000 students have learned the language from her course, either at the university or online, she said.
Her students are like Mariko, a 24-year-old Japanese woman in her first year who said she was interested in Khmer because she wanted to speak to her Cambodian friends
“I want to learn more Khmer, because I want to chat with them, and I also want to work in Cambodia,” she said.
Humphry said she wanted to expand Khmer programs into other universities and sometimes even teaches online free of charge.
“I like teaching, and I want people in general to learn my language, our Khmer language, and to understand the literature and linguistics and our Khmer culture,” she said.
In that way, she said, she helps Cambodia, albeit from a distance.
14 comments:
once again, please do expand this Khmer language program to universities in other states. Indeed, you are a great service for the Khmer language and bringing recognition to the states and eventually the world. Thank you Professor!
Congrats...Dr. Sak Humphry should also receive Teacher of the Year Award for her consistent efforts in Khmer language outreach program. I wish I had her as my Khmer professor at my college.
What is her khmer website?
Thank you Professor. We are heard by you and other who are committed to do the service for the betterment of Cambodia.
The hope is always with us no matter how injustice we face.
Professor Chhany Sak's work will greatly strengthen the Khmer language and culture. Her achievements would complement hand in hand with the works of Mr. Chey Mongkol, a great Khmer Surin who single-handedly made efforts to revive the almost extinct Khmer language and culture in Surin. Mr Mongkol should meet Professor Chhany Sak as their works would greatly benefit Khmers.
7:05pm, I totally agree with you.
The Cambodian government should recognize her effort for help advancing Khmer language to the next level. It is the right thing to do.
The government or the Khmer king or is he there?
She must be Yuon woman to be recognized by Cambodian government.
11:00 PM, people like you always have nothing good to say about any body. Your annoying comment done nothing, but only self reflection on your poor up bringing with no education. Your existence has no impact on this planet.
Congrats Dr. Channy, and congrats Ms. Mariko for her interest in Khmer language.
11:00PM, u r idiot and Khmer divider...
to anonymous at9:11 pm .you yourself must be yuon. just want khmer hate khmer.
ignore the bitter fruit. reap the benefits! god bless the khmer language everywhere.
Stupid dumb ass bitch. I was in her ASK program she's a bitch
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