Myanmar (Burma)

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See photo of Myanmar (Burma). Copyright owned by photographer.
See photo of Myanmar (Burma). Copyright owned by photographer.
See photo of Myanmar (Burma). Copyright owned by photographer.

The Languages spoken in Myanmar (Burma)


Imagine how can 45 Million of people discover and use 111 languages to each other? That is not supposed to be taken as a mere probability as that is actually happening in the great country of Myanmar! Around 80% of the overall population of Myanmar speaks in Burmese, the official Myanmar language. This percentage though, still speaks in different pronunciation that varies from area to area. The Burmese language is a monosyllabic language. It is also tonal, just like any other Tiberto-Chinese languages.

The official Myanmar language’s alphabet is made up of 10 vowels and 32 consonants. These are derived from the early scripts of Phavi from the South of India. Most of the formed words used in Myanmar language are loaned from other languages. All of these were acquired from the many different conquerors and colonizing parties that have plunged in Myanmar. It cant also be denied that the time when Burma as known in those years were used as a part of the overland route from China to India, different words and languages were taught or just passed to the natives.

The government of Myanmar is also using Burmese language but it does not over impose its use to the locals, leaving them to use any of the many prevailing Myanmar language selections or dialects. According to Myanmar’s 1974 constitution, “if necessary the language of the national race concerned may be used." That explains why Myanmar language has boomed to 111 selections, a number that is too many for just a very small population.


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