About the Burmese Language

In which countries is the Burmese language spoken?

Burmese is an official language of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It is spoken in other countries in the region, including Bangladesh, India, and Thailand.

What is the history of the Burmese language?

The Burmese language is an Eastern Indo-Arayan language related to other languages such as Tibeto-Burman and Mon-Khmer. It has its roots in the Pyu and Mon civilizations, which lived in what is now Myanmar from at least the 2nd century B.C. Burmese developed out of these languages as well as Pali and Sanskrit, which were introduced by Buddhist missionaries in the 9th and 10th centuries.
Beginning in the 11th century, Burmese became a literary language used in many courts and temples. By the mid-14th century, the language had become the official language of the court of the Burmese kingdom of Ava. Over the next few centuries, its use spread throughout the country, becoming the official language of the capital of Toungoo in 1511.
By the 19th century, the Burmese writing system had changed significantly, and the language was used for official documents and poetry. During the British colonial period, English became a major language in the country, and Burmese literature began to mix with English linguistic expressions. Over the years, the language has adapted to modern times, adding new expressions and words from foreign sources, including English.

Who are the top 5 people who have contributed the most to the Burmese language?

1. Dr. Ko Aung: One of the top Burmese linguists and a prolific scholar who wrote many books and papers on the Burmese language.
2. U Chit Maung: U Chit Maung was the Burmese ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1964 to 1971, during which time he made extensive efforts to promote Burmese language and culture in the UK.
3. U Thant: U Thant was a leading Burmese diplomat, who served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations. His work is noteworthy for its preservation and promotion of the Burmese language.
4. Daw Saw Mya Thwin: Daw Saw Mya Thwin is a renowned Burmese writer and poet, and an important figure in the development and popularization of the Burmese language.
5. U Thein Tin: U Thein Tin was a prominent Burmese linguist, who worked diligently to promote the usage and understanding of the Burmese language and its literature.

How is the structure of the Burmese language?

The Burmese language is a tonal language, meaning the same word can have different meanings depending on the tone it is spoken in. It is an analytic language, which means word order is not as important as content words (nouns and verbs) for conveying meaning. The syllable structure of the language is CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) and the language is written with a specific script, similar to the Indian Devanagari script.

How to learn the Burmese language in the most correct way?

1. Start with an online course: There are many comprehensive online courses that you can take to learn Burmese, such as Rosetta Stone or Pimsleur. These courses offer structured lessons and everything from grammar to vocabulary.
2. Find a tutor: If you want to learn Burmese more quickly and go beyond the basics, consider finding a private tutor. A tutor can provide personalized, targeted instruction and help you learn at your own pace.
3. Read, listen, & watch: To become fluent in any language, you must practice reading, listening, and speaking it. Find Burmese books and magazines to read, watch Burmese shows and movies, and listen to Burmese songs.
4. Immerse yourself: Nothing beats total immersion into a language – and Burmese is no exception. Consider visiting Burma and spending time with native speakers to really build up your language skills.