The importance of language in international development cooperation - a Cambodian case study

Abstract: As in most places in the world, English is the first language used within development cooperation in Cambodia. Language is not a neutral tool of communication and each language builds on the history and culture in which it has been shaped. Drawing on a theoretical framework often summed up as languages of development, this case study aims to make a contribution to the debate about the importance of language in development cooperation. It is a case study of one gender project at a local youth organisation in Cambodia. The study finds that it is difficult to distinguish specific effects of language choice from other political and economic factors involved in development cooperation, but that speaking in English drastically limits the possibility to speak to most of the intended beneficiaries and puts a lot of responsibility upon local development practitioners who can mediate between international actors and ordinary citizens.