NATION-BUILDING AND POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES IN KHMER LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS FOR GRADES 11–12: ANALYSIS OF FOUR KHMER HISTORICAL NOVELS

Abstract

This academic article aims to examine the key ideas presented in selected novels included in the Khmer Literature textbooks for Grades 11–12 of Cambodia, in order to understand the values and ideologies that these textbooks seek to instill in Cambodian youth, using Benedict Anderson’s concept of using language and literature to build a nation. The study finds that four novels are included in the textbooks: (1) Phum Tirachchan, (2) Phokambor, (3) Kuli Komnaen, and (4) The New Sun in Old Land.  All of the selected novels approved by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport are historical novels depicting significant events in three major historical periods. The first period portrays Cambodia under unjust French colonial rule, leading to the millenarian rebellion known as Phokambor in Phokambor, and the assassination of a French official named Bardez at Krang Lav village in Phum Tirachchan. The second period depicts Cambodia under Japanese occupation during World War II (1941–1945), as presented in Kuli Komnaen. The third period portrays Cambodia under the leadership of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk after the country gained independence from France, as depicted in The New Sun in Old Land. The findings indicate that these textbooks aim to: (1) cultivate patriotism among Khmer youth by reinforcing the nation’s traumatic historical experiences under foreign powers, namely France and Japan; (2) condemn Cambodians who collaborated with foreign rulers and betrayed their compatriots for personal gain; (3) glorify the monarchy, particularly King Norodom Sihanouk, as the Father of National Independence and a monarch who brought progress and prosperity to the nation; (4) instill democratic ideals emphasizing equality, rights, and freedom for all citizens; and (5) highlight the importance of agriculture and handicrafts as occupations that sustain people’s livelihoods and well-being, without necessitating migration to urban areas for work.