Burmese English Article Index for
Burmese
Website Links For
Burmese English
 

Information About

Burmese English




Burmese English is an English Language dialect used in Myanmar (formerly Burma). After Britain successfully conquered the Burmese Empire and designated it a colony of British India , education in English became highly regarded, although it did not fully replace Burmese as the vernacular. Burmese English resembles Indian English to a degree, because of historical ties to India during British colonisation.

Burmese romanisiation is based on English, despite the lack of an official system. The preferred system of spelling is based on those of the British, although American English spellings have become increasingly popular. Because Adoniram Judson , an American, created the first Burmese-English dictionary, many American English spellings are common (e.g. ''color'', ''check'', ''encyclopedia''). The '-ize' form is more commonly used than '-ise' form.

English remains entrenched in the Burmese educational system, and is a required subject from kindergarten onward. From secondary school onward, English is the primary language used in textbooks, except for Burmese Language and other Burmese-related studies. Because of this, many Burmese lack fluency in spoken English, and are more able to communicate by means of writing. British English is the dialect of English taught in Myanmar.

Burmese English is often characterised by its unaspirated consonants, similar to Indian English. It also borrows words from standard English and uses them in a slightly different context. For instance, "pavement" (British English) or "sidewalk" (US English) is commonly called "platform" in Burmese English. In addition, many words retain British pronunciation, such as vitamin (pronouced vit-a-min). Burmese English is Non-rhotic .

Measurement names in Burmese English use both those of the Imperial System and those of the International System Of Units interchangably, but the values correspond to the SI system. Burmese English continues to use Indian English numerical units such as Lakh and Crore .

Honorifics of Burmese English are often derived from Burmese rather than from English, and include the following:
  • Bo, Bogyoke - General

  • U - Sir (lit. "uncle"). Pronounced 'Oo' (as in 'too'), this honorific is commonly used to prefix the name of an adult Burmese man in much the same way as 'Mr' (e g U Nu, the former Secretary General of the UN)

  • Daw - Madam (lit. "aunt"), used to prefix the name of an adult woman. It does not denote marital status.

  • Ko - Mister (lit. "older brother") used as a term of familiarity or affection and not in formal usage.

  • Maung (abbreviated Mg) - Mister (lit. "younger brother"), in archaic form used to denote the subservient position of the addressee: eg in Court documentation. It is usually used by someone who is of seniority (in age, rank or social standing) to the addressee.

  • Ma - Mrs., Ms. (lit. "old sister")

  • Saya, Sayama, Sayadaw - Teacher, Professor (lit. "teacher")

  • Thakin - Sir (lit. "Master"), archaic - This term was applied as a prefix by young Burmese during British colonial times to signify that the Burmese should be masters of their own destiny.

  • However, the honorifics only apply to the Burmese.