Translation: one word, more than one meaning From an English to Khmer experience (and vice-versa) If you open

an English-Khmer dictionary, it is probable that you will see only one or two meanings of interest. And if you are able to find a dictionary that explains all the 4 meanings below, dont forget to share with me. Ill appreciate the gesture. One example from English to Khmer The only meaning of interest that I learnt when I was in high school is the first meaning below. When I went to the faculty of law, I was told that it has a second meaning (thanks to the explanation from my contract law teacher). 1. Interest: One of the most common things you see on newspapers is expression of interest. Are you interested yet? Interest = 2. Interest: Compared to Principal, this term is used when it is about a loan. In a loan, there is Principal - the money that the borrower gets from the lender - and Interest the money added on top of the Principal for repayment. Interest = 3. Interest: Under the Cambodian laws, Mr. Jacobs interests in this transaction can be secured by two means: 1) a registered mortgage of the collateral over immovable properties and/or 2) a filed pledge of collateral over movable assets. In this example, interests often written in plural does not have an exact equivalent in Khmer. However, people tend to use it as synonym of rights. So the sentence can be understood this way: Under Cambodian laws, Mr. Jacobs rights in this transaction can be protected by two means [blah blah blah]. Interests = 4. Interest: As in number 3 again, interests does not have an exact equivalent in Khmer. It is synonymous to rights only when it makes sense in each given context. However, its usage in English language is more generalized. Example: It is necessary to fully understand the sometimes cooperative and competing nature of stakeholder interests. Interests = Come to think of it, I learnt the 3rd and 4th meanings only after I started my career. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

Phnom Penh, 17 February 2012 THARA Rathvisal

Translation:experience2