Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to listen to and understand a news report about the history of Phnom Penh.
- Students will be able to identify key events, figures, and periods in the city’s development.
- Students will be able to use vocabulary related to history, culture, and urban development.
- Students will be able to discuss the significance of historical events and their impact on the present.
Materials:
- Audio recording of the news report “The History of Phnom Penh” (see script below).
- Optional: Images or maps of Phnom Penh throughout history to aid visualization.
- Worksheet or whiteboard for comprehension questions and vocabulary review.
Audio:
Script:
Welcome back to Cambodia News Today.
In this segment, we’re taking a journey through time to explore the rich history of Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia.
Phnom Penh, meaning “Penh’s Hill,” traces its origins back to the 15th century. Legend has it that a wealthy woman named Penh found four Buddha statues washed ashore by the Mekong River. She built a small shrine on a hill to house the statues, and the settlement that grew around it eventually became the city we know today.
Phnom Penh officially became the capital of Cambodia in 1434, after the fall of the Angkorian Empire. The city served as the royal capital for centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of various dynasties and the arrival of European powers.
During the French colonial period, from the late 19th to mid-20th century, Phnom Penh underwent significant transformation. Grand boulevards, elegant villas, and public buildings were constructed, reflecting the architectural styles of the time.
The city gained independence from France in 1953 and experienced a period of growth and prosperity known as the “Golden Age.” However, this era was tragically cut short by the turmoil of the Cambodian Civil War and the subsequent Khmer Rouge regime.
After the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979, Phnom Penh began the arduous task of rebuilding and recovery. Today, the city is a bustling metropolis, a testament to the resilience and determination of its people.
Historic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the National Museum stand as reminders of the city’s storied past. While modern developments and skyscrapers are shaping its skyline, Phnom Penh remains a city that cherishes its heritage and traditions.
Vocabulary:
- vibrant (adjective): full of energy and life.
- traces its origins (phrase): to find the beginning or source of something.
- shrine (noun): a place regarded as holy because of its associations with a divinity or a sacred person or relic, marked by a building or other construction.
- dynasty (noun): a line of hereditary rulers of a country.
- turmoil (noun): a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
- arduous (adjective): involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
- metropolis (noun): a large, busy city, especially the chief city of a country or region.
- testament (noun): something that serves as a sign or evidence of a specified fact, event, or quality.
Tasks:
- Answer the Questions:
- What does the name Phnom Penh mean?
- When did Phnom Penh officially become the capital of Cambodia?
- What changes did Phnom Penh undergo during the French colonial period?
- What was the “Golden Age” of Phnom Penh?
- How has the city changed since the fall of the Khmer Rouge?
- Vocabulary Matching: Match the vocabulary words with their definitions. (Provide a list of definitions for students to match to the words.)
- Timeline Creation: Create a timeline of key events in the history of Phnom Penh.
- Discussion:
- What are some historical landmarks in your hometown or city?
- How has your hometown or city changed over time?
- Why is it important to learn about history?
Answer Key: (Provide answers to the comprehension questions and vocabulary matching for teacher reference.)
Outro:
Phnom Penh is a city with a fascinating and complex history. It has witnessed both glory and tragedy, resilience and transformation. By exploring its past, we can gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s cultural heritage and the forces that have shaped it into the dynamic city it is today.
