The Khmer language, an Austroasiatic language, primarily spoken in Cambodia, shares linguistic features with several other languages commonly spoken in Asia. However, it is still quite a unique language. According to the eLinguistics.net analysis using specific software modules to assess linguistic relationships, the five languages most similar to Khmer are Santali, Xiang, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
- Santali (29.9)
Santali is an Austroasiatic language spoken in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Santali and Khmer have a common origin. Both languages have some comparable morphological features. However, significant differences exist due to geographical separation and distinct cultural influences. Santali’s vocabulary and phonetics still differ considerably from Khmer. - Xiang (25.2)
Xiang is a Sino-Tibetan language commonly spoken in Hunan, China. Xiang, like Mandarin and Cantonese, has tones, a feature absent in Khmer. The linguistic similarities with Khmer are minimal, primarily limited to borrowed vocabulary due to cultural exchange. Still, Xiang’s grammar, syntax, and phonology differ significantly from those of Khmer, making them quite distinct languages. - Vietnamese (22.2)
Vietnam borders Cambodia. Vietnamese is another Austroasiatic language, although it has been more heavily influenced by Chinese due to more historical contact. Despite this influence, Vietnamese shares many phonological and lexical similarities with Khmer, particularly in basic vocabulary and certain grammatical structures. However, Vietnamese has a distinct tonal system. - Cantonese (22.2)
Like Xiang Chinese, Cantonese is a Sino-Tibetan language, but it shares even less with Khmer in terms of linguistic structure. However, Cantonese has influenced Khmer, particularly in regions with a significant Southern Chinese population. The influence is primarily lexical, with some Chinese words being integrated into Khmer. - Mandarin (21.0)
The primary language spoken in China is Mandarin. It is significantly different from Khmer but shares some historical connections due to the influence of Chinese culture in Southeast Asia. While the basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Mandarin differ greatly from Khmer, there has been lexical borrowing from Chinese into Khmer, particularly in terms of trade, government, and culture.
(to be considered for the list, the language must be spoken by at least one million people)