Language Maintenance among Khmer Communities in the Mekong Delta: A Case Study in Soc Trang Province

Background and objective: This study examines the current status of Khmer language use and identifies the key factors affecting language maintenance among the Khmer community in the Mekong Delta, with Vinh Chau Town (Soc Trang Province) selected as a representative case. The research aims to clarify how social, cultural, and policy-related influences shape the sustainability of the Khmer language in both family and community contexts.Methods: A mixed-method research design was employed. Qualitative methods were first used to develop the theoretical foundation and construct the 4Ps model. This was followed by a quantitative survey administered to 90 Khmer respondents. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to validate the model.Results: Findings show that the Khmer language remains actively used in households, pagodas, and community rituals; however, literacy skills—particularly reading and writing—are declining among younger generations due to the dominance of Vietnamese in formal education and the complexity of Khmer script. EFA results identify four major factor groups influencing language behavior: Promotion (β = 0.382), Place (β = 0.358), Policy (β = 0.322), and Persons (β = 0.296).Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to strengthen Khmer language preservation. Recommendations include improving bilingual education, expanding Khmer teacher training, enhancing the roles of pagodas and community institutions, and promoting Khmer communication practices across social settings. The proposed 4Ps model contributes to a deeper understanding of ethnic minority language sustainability and offers empirical insights for policymaking aimed at supporting the long-term cultural vitality of the Khmer community in the Mekong Delta.