Sexuality and agency in Cambodia: An exploration of English competence as a local practice

This talk focuses on how different forms of competence in English relate to sexuality and agency among a group of young Cambodian men who form mutually beneficial relationships with men from the global north. Through an analysis of extracts from interview data, I will demonstrate how competence is linguistically manifested by these local men within locally circulating discourses. In addition, I suggest that the competencies and knowledge that are needed to form and negotiate these relationships, and to gain access to the benefits that come with them, also reveal the agency these local men display in pursuing a better life.