U.S. Declaration of Independence
Translated into the Khmer Language
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United States Library of Congress sends letter to the Cambodian Communities accepting thier
gift to the American people. |
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September 23, 2024
On September 23rd our Translation of the United States Declaration of Independence was delivered to Library of Congress completing our DOI Translation Project.
Our Translation was delivered to Asian Division of the Library of Congress Monday September 23.
Plans are now being made for the Khmer Communities to officially present the document to the Citizens of the United States.
Plans are now being made for the Khmer Communities to officially present the document to the Citizens of the United States.
(Full translation can be found below)
The Translation
The Header
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Attributions
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More about the Library Of Congress and our project
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Thomas Briggs, CAVWV President recently received correspondence from the Asian Desk at the Library of Congress expressing their delight in receiving the first translation of the United States Declaration of Independence into th Khmer language. Our work will be delivered to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. and formally unveiled. The Khmer Community will officially gift this historic translation it the the United States Citizens in 2025.
The translation will then be displayed in time for the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration, July 4, 2026. |
Celebrating and Commemorating the 250 Anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence,
Khmer Communities gift First Translation into the Khmer Language to the Citizens of the United States of America
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Khmer Community leaders Sotheary Duong, Lam Yem and Hoeun Hach are pictured above with the first translation of the Declaration of Independence in the Khmer language at Nathan Hale Park,
Saint Paul, Minnesota..
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July 3rd, 2023 the Cambodian Community announced the completion of a multi year effort to translate the American Declaration of Independence into their native language Khmer. Scholars from Cambodia, Thailand and the United States contributed to the effort. Printing and framing of the translation was done in Saint Paul, Minnesota with generous gifts of support by the Khmer
community nationally. The community intends to deliver and formally unveil their work later this year at Independence Hall in Philedelphia, Pennsylvania, where the original document was signed. That document declared independence and freedom from tyranny by the first thirteen States of America, formally separating them from the King of England.
Nathan Hale Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota was chosen for the announcement as its name sake Nathan Hale was a major figure in the American Revolution. He was arrested tried and executed for his support of independence from King George III and Great Britain.
His last words " I regret I have but one life to lose for my country" are taught and recited by all Americans as an expression of devotion and sacrifices we make in defense of Freedom.
community nationally. The community intends to deliver and formally unveil their work later this year at Independence Hall in Philedelphia, Pennsylvania, where the original document was signed. That document declared independence and freedom from tyranny by the first thirteen States of America, formally separating them from the King of England.
Nathan Hale Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota was chosen for the announcement as its name sake Nathan Hale was a major figure in the American Revolution. He was arrested tried and executed for his support of independence from King George III and Great Britain.
His last words " I regret I have but one life to lose for my country" are taught and recited by all Americans as an expression of devotion and sacrifices we make in defense of Freedom.
Who is Nathan Hale?
Learn more about Nathen Hale here.
https://www.biography.com/military-figures/nathan-hale
Learn more about Nathen Hale here.
https://www.biography.com/military-figures/nathan-hale
Pictured here is the first translation of the Declaration of Independence into the Khmer language, the native language of Cambodia.
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Nathan Hale was an American soldier during the Revolutionary War and was hanged by the British for espionage in 1776.
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Pictured here is the back side of the Nathan Hale statue depicting his bound hands as he is lead to the gallows to be hanged.
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The Translation
More About the Project
A few Khmer veterans began gathering on Saturday mornings in 2013 for fellowship and other activities to support their community and help alleviate the mental stress of PTSP, PTSD Complex and Genocide Syndrome. One of those actives was to learn more about the United States, how it began and the historic documents of American independence of which the Declaration of Independence is one.
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The first class they attended was about the differences between The Untied States of America and The Kingdom of Cambodia. Soon followed were classes on the struggle for independence and The Declaration of Independence separating the then thirteen colonies from the King of England and establishing an independent Country. It was soon learned that this historic document had never been translated into their native language, Khmer.
The Khmer language is one of, if not, the oldest known written and spoken languages still being spoken and written today. It is nearest to ancient Sanskrit which is believed to be the oldest know language.
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After completing the classes it was decided to attempt to translate the document and share it with the Citizens of the United States as an expression of their gratitude. Since many could not write Khmer only read and speak it they had to find more educated Khmer to do the translation. After many attempts to find competent Khmer two Khmer graduate students in Cambodia and Thailand took up the challenge.
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The majority of the translation has been done by them but edited with refinements numerous times. Above is the final document what has now been submitted to the Library of Congress.
Of the Original Veteran Attendees Ten Have Passed Into History
Um Ream
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Mican "Niko" Thach
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Saman Roeun
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Seng Eng Meas "Kim Rin"
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Khemmak Vichet
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Chim Ouk
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Muon Srey
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Veng Noch
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Khnor Thoeuth
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Sameth Kul
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