Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to listen to and understand a news report about Khmer New Year celebrations in Cambodia.
- Students will be able to identify key details about the celebrations, including traditions, rituals, and cultural significance.
- Students will be able to use vocabulary related to holidays, traditions, and cultural practices.
- Students will be able to discuss the importance of cultural celebrations in their own lives.
Materials:
- Audio recording of the news report “Cambodian New Year Celebrations” (see script below).
- Optional: Images or videos of Khmer New Year celebrations to aid visualization.
- Worksheet or whiteboard for comprehension questions and vocabulary review.
Script:
Good evening, and welcome to Cambodia Evening News.
Tonight, we bring you a special report on the vibrant and joyous celebrations of Khmer New Year, also known as Choul Chnam Thmey. This year, the festivities are in full swing across the country, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year.
In Phnom Penh, the capital city, streets are adorned with colorful lights and decorations, and families gather to pay respects to their ancestors and elders. Traditional games like Angkunh, a form of jacks, are played in parks and public spaces, while the aroma of delicious Khmer delicacies fills the air.
One of the most beloved traditions is the building of sand stupas at pagodas. These intricate sand mounds are decorated with flowers and incense, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the new year.
Another cherished custom is the water festival, where people playfully splash water on each other as a way to cleanse and purify the soul, welcoming the new year with a fresh start.
The celebrations are not just limited to cities. In rural areas, villagers come together to enjoy traditional music and dance performances, partake in communal meals, and participate in religious ceremonies at local temples.
The Khmer New Year is a time for family reunions, reconciliation, and reflection. It’s a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia and to look forward to a prosperous new year.
Our team will be bringing you live updates from different parts of the country throughout the celebrations. Stay tuned for more exciting coverage of Khmer New Year!
Vocabulary:
- Choul Chnam Thmey (noun): Khmer New Year.
- in full swing (idiom): at a high point of activity.
- adorn (verb): make more beautiful or attractive.
- delicatesse (noun): a choice or expensive food.
- stupa (noun): a dome-shaped structure erected as a Buddhist shrine.
- pagoda (noun): a Hindu or Buddhist temple or sacred building, typically a many-tiered tower.
Tasks:
- Answer the Questions:
- What is another name for Khmer New Year?
- What does Khmer New Year mark the end of?
- What are sand stupas, and where are they built?
- Why do people splash water on each other during Khmer New Year?
- What are some activities that take place during Khmer New Year?
- Vocabulary Matching: Match the vocabulary words with their definitions. (Provide a list of definitions for students to match to the words.)
- Summarizing: In your own words, summarize the main points of the news report.
- Discussion:
- How is Khmer New Year celebrated in your community or family?
- What are some other important holidays or festivals celebrated in Cambodia?
- What is your favorite thing about Khmer New Year?
Answer Key: (Provide answers to the comprehension questions and vocabulary matching for teacher reference.)
Outro:
The Khmer New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and cultural renewal in Cambodia. It’s a reminder of the country’s rich traditions and the importance of family and community. Let’s join in the festivities and wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!
