AsiaLIFE

This month we've sent Keo Kounila out into streets to find out what the word on the street is about barangs (foreigners)!

The Questions:
What are your thoughts about the way barangs dress?
What surprises you about barangs?
What do you find difficult about them?
What is it you like about barangs?
When they meet you, how would you like them to interact with you?

Samoeurn Kem, Librarian, 29
I'm very surprised with the sexiness of barang's clothes. I don't understand their mentality but Cambodian females dare not dress like that. I find it surprising that they like going out till very late at night and seem not to be afraid of anything.

What I like about barangs is their welcoming behaviour. They often smile at us when they see us. If they meet me in Cambodia, I want them to learn some Khmer and be friendly with Cambodians. 

Vannsan Nou, 24, Student
Their countries are cold most of the time, so when they come to hot and humid Cambodia, it is common for them to show their ankles and arms. What I find surprising about barangs is their backpacks. They have very big and heavy backpacks, which I think look wonderful. What I find difficult about barangs is that they are not interested in being more familiar with our culture. When they come to our country or any, they should learn to adapt to the culture and politely accept us. Thus, I find it quite surprising they do not listen. Sometimes, their behaviour can have a bad influence on young Cambodian teenagers.

I like one point about barangs – they read a lot. If barangs come to Cambodia, I hope they are friendly and try a little bit more to adapt to our culture – for example, they should not show affection in public.

Sopheap, 56, Meat Vendor at Central Market
Even though they dress quite provocatively, it is their custom. But Cambodians should not dress like barangs as it can make us lose our identity and traditions. I find it surprising when they try to learn Khmer and talk to me when they buy my meat.

I don't have any difficulty talking with barangs so I have no idea what is difficult about them. I don't pay much attention to barangs. They have their own traditions and way of living. I hope all the barangs are friendly and smiling when they meet Cambodians.

Sreng, 45, Electronics Salesman at Central Market
This is already the year of 2008, so the way they dress is not too sexy at all. Their clothing looks normal. I don't find anything surprising about barangs anymore. That's because I'm used to it.

Barangs are friendly, there’s nothing difficult about barangs at all. What I like about barangs is that when they purchase my products, they do not complain like other customers. They are polite when they deal with me. If I meet them somewhere like at my store, I want them to buy a lot and be polite.

Tang Ry, 54, Dessert Vendor
For them they think their dress is normal, but for us it is not normal. But somehow, it is their custom. What I find surprising is that they don't often eat dessert. I wonder what they eat for dessert.

I don't find anything difficult about barangs. They are easy to talk to if I speak a little English and they speak a little Khmer. I like their buying behaviour – quick, easy and effective. If they come to Cambodia, they should learn more about Cambodian culture.

Leakhena, 15, Flower Vendor
I'm used to looking at barangs' clothes. I do find them normal, but I know I can't dress like them.

What I find surprising about barangs is that they are very tall and white. What's difficult about them is that they party too loudly and do not care how their neighbours feel about the noise. What I like about them is their friendliness. If they meet me, I hope they buy more flowers.