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Bob Lyle

This course is designed to teach English-speaking students how to read the Myanmar (Burmese) language using a streamlined direct approach. It provides pronunciation for consonants, vowels and special symbols without requiring the student to learn the names of each. It explains how to pronounce stacked consonants, weakened vowels and voiced consonants using simple, well-illustrated examples. It includes a lesson on Myanmar tones described in a way that has made sense to a lot of English speaking students. It also includes a description of the difference between spoken and literary Myanmar. The course uses the pronunciation of English words as a basis for explaining Myanmar pronunciation.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Students should be able to begin reading myanmar text.

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction to Reading Myanmar

Provides pronunciation for all 33 consonants plus two additional symbols not included on most alphabet charts.    On completion, the student should be able to identify consonants in written text and understand how to pronounce them.

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Provides a description and examples of Myanmar tones in a way that most English learners find easy to understand.  Upon completion, students should begin to be able to identify tone indicators within written text and understand how to pronounce them.

Part of a series of lessons on Myanmar vowels.  On completion, student should be able to identify and understand how to pronounce each of the vowels covered in the lesson.

Part of a series of lessons on symbols that affect the pronunciation of consonants.  On completion, student should be able to identify and pronounce each consonant/symbol combination.

Explains how to read combinations of special symbols covered in the previous 3 Lessons

Describes the rules of pronunciation when syllables are combined to form words and words are combined to form  phrases and how this can affect how vowels are pronounced.  Upon completion, student should be able to identify the vowels in a given word or sentence that should have a 'weakened' pronunciation.

Explains the rules of pronunciation when syllables are combined to form words and words are combined to form phrases and how this can affect how consonants are pronounced.  Upon completion, student should be able to identify the consonants in a given word or sentence that should have a 'voiced' pronunciation.

Describes the method to apply to this unique spelling mechanism to be able to pronounce stacked consonants.  Upon completion, student should be able to understand how to pronounce stacked consonants.

Introduces the student to the differences between 'spoken' and 'literary' forms of the Myanmar language.  Provides pronunciation for the 5 primary literary symbols and reference to their spoken counterparts.  Upon completion, student should be able to identify and pronounce the 5 literary symbols and have a basic grasp of the difference between the two forms of Myanmar.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explains how consonant and vowel symbols are stacked in Myanmar text, enabling learners to read more complex Myanmar
Provides a listing of all the literary Myanmar symbols in one place, alongside their spoken counterparts, allowing learners to develop a foundational understanding of literary Myanmar text
Demonstrates how stacked consonant symbols are pronounced, giving learners skills to interpret them within text
Develops learners' Myanmar pronunciation by explaining differences between spoken and literary Myanmar text, thereby expanding their Myanmar vocabulary
Teaches students how to identify consonants in written text, providing them with a foundation for understanding Myanmar words and grammar

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Reading Myanmar (Burmese) with these activities:
Review Myanmar alphabet and pronunciation
Refreshing your knowledge of the Myanmar alphabet and pronunciation will help you build a solid foundation for your further learning.
Show steps
  • Review the Myanmar alphabet chart and practice writing each character.
  • Listen to audio recordings of Myanmar pronunciation and practice speaking the sounds.
  • Use online resources or apps to test your knowledge of the alphabet and pronunciation.
Organize course materials reviewed thus far
Organizing what you've learned and referenced thus far into a coherent structure will help strengthen your grasp on the fundamentals of the language.
Show steps
  • Review the materials from the Introduction and Pronunciation lessons.
  • Create a notebook or digital document to keep track of your notes and resources.
  • Summarize the key concepts covered in each lesson.
  • Include examples and practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.
  • Review your notes regularly to refresh your memory and improve retention.
Follow online tutorials on specific Myanmar language topics
There are numerous online tutorials available that can provide focused guidance on specific aspects of Myanmar language learning, allowing you to target areas where you need additional support.
Show steps
  • Identify areas where you would like to improve your Myanmar language skills.
  • Search for online tutorials on those specific topics.
  • Follow the instructions provided in the tutorials carefully.
  • Practice the concepts and techniques taught in the tutorials.
  • Evaluate your progress and adjust your learning plan accordingly.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Connect with native Myanmar speakers
Interacting with native speakers of Myanmar will provide you with authentic language input and cultural insights that can greatly enhance your learning.
Show steps
  • Attend local events or join online communities where you can meet Myanmar speakers.
  • Use language learning apps or websites to connect with Myanmar tutors or language exchange partners.
  • Reach out to Myanmar businesses or organizations in your area to inquire about opportunities to interact with native speakers.
  • Travel to Myanmar, if possible, to immerse yourself in the language and culture.
Practice reading and writing Myanmar text
Regular practice is essential for developing fluency in reading and writing Myanmar. This activity will provide you with opportunities to apply your knowledge and improve your skills.
Show steps
  • Find online resources or textbooks with Myanmar text.
  • Practice reading the text aloud to improve your pronunciation.
  • Copy the text into a notebook to improve your handwriting.
  • Transcribe Myanmar audio recordings to improve your listening skills.
  • Use a language learning app or website to practice Myanmar reading and writing.
Read a Myanmar literature classic
Exploring Myanmar literature will not only enhance your language skills but also provide insights into the culture and history of Myanmar.
View Ghosh Book of Essays on Amazon
Show steps
  • Choose a Myanmar literature classic that interests you, such as "The Glass Palace" by Amitav Ghosh.
  • Read the book in Myanmar language to immerse yourself in the authentic language.
  • Use a dictionary or online resources to look up unfamiliar words and phrases.
  • Summarize each chapter to improve your comprehension.
  • Discuss the book with a friend or language partner to enhance your understanding and critical thinking skills.
Create a Myanmar language learning blog or vlog
Creating a blog or vlog about Myanmar language learning will allow you to synthesize your knowledge, reflect on your progress, and potentially help others.
Show steps
  • Choose a platform for your blog or vlog, such as WordPress or YouTube.
  • Create regular content that covers different aspects of Myanmar language learning, such as grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights.
  • Use multimedia elements, such as videos, audio recordings, and images, to make your content engaging.
  • Promote your blog or vlog on social media and other online platforms.
  • Interact with your audience by responding to comments and questions.
Contribute to open-source Myanmar language projects
Contributing to open-source projects related to the Myanmar language will allow you to apply your skills, gain practical experience, and give back to the community.
Show steps
  • Explore open-source platforms like GitHub and GitLab for Myanmar language projects.
  • Identify projects that align with your interests and skills.
  • Review the project documentation and guidelines.
  • Start contributing by submitting bug reports, translating documentation, or implementing new features.
  • Collaborate with other contributors and maintainers to improve the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Reading Myanmar (Burmese) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Translator
A Translator converts written or spoken text from one language to another. They must be fluent in both languages and have a deep understanding of the cultures associated with each language. This course may be useful for a Translator who wants to specialize in the Myanmar language. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for translating documents and interpreting spoken language.
Linguistics Professor
A Linguistics Professor teaches at a college or university. They specialize in language and study its structure, history, and usage. They may focus on a particular language or family of languages or on a particular aspect of language, such as phonetics, syntax, or semantics. This course may be useful for a Linguistics Professor because it provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for teaching and research in linguistics.
Interpreter
An Interpreter facilitates communication between people who speak different languages. They may work in a variety of settings, such as healthcare, education, or business. This course may be useful for an Interpreter who wants to specialize in the Myanmar language. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for interpreting spoken language.
Foreign Service Officer
A Foreign Service Officer represents the United States government abroad. They work in embassies and consulates around the world, and they are responsible for a variety of tasks, such as political reporting, economic analysis, and public diplomacy. This course may be useful for a Foreign Service Officer who wants to specialize in Myanmar. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for building relationships with Myanmar officials and citizens.
Journalist
A Journalist investigates and reports on news and current events. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, website, or television station. This course may be useful for a Journalist who wants to specialize in Myanmar. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for interviewing sources, conducting research, and writing articles about Myanmar.
Teacher
A Teacher educates students at a school or other educational institution. They may teach a variety of subjects, such as English, Math, Science, or History. This course may be useful for a Teacher who wants to teach Myanmar language or culture. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for creating lesson plans and teaching students about Myanmar.
Missionary
A Missionary is a person who is sent by a religious organization to spread their faith. They may work in a variety of countries, and they may be involved in a variety of activities, such as preaching, teaching, and providing medical care. This course may be useful for a Missionary who wants to work in Myanmar. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for communicating with people in Myanmar and sharing the Christian faith.
Aid Worker
An Aid Worker provides humanitarian assistance to people in need. They may work for a variety of organizations, such as the United Nations, the Red Cross, or a non-profit organization. This course may be useful for an Aid Worker who wants to work in Myanmar. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for communicating with people in Myanmar and providing them with assistance.
Tourist Guide
A Tourist Guide leads tours for visitors to a particular area. They may be responsible for providing information about the area's history, culture, and attractions. This course may be useful for a Tourist Guide who wants to lead tours in Myanmar. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for communicating with tourists and providing them with information about Myanmar.
Businessperson
A Businessperson owns or manages a business. They may be involved in a variety of activities, such as marketing, sales, and finance. This course may be useful for a Businessperson who wants to do business in Myanmar. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for communicating with customers and partners in Myanmar.
Anthropologist
An Anthropologist studies human societies and cultures. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, museums, and research institutions. This course may be useful for an Anthropologist who wants to specialize in Myanmar. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for conducting research and building relationships with people in Myanmar.
Historian
A Historian studies the past. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, museums, and libraries. This course may be useful for a Historian who wants to specialize in Myanmar. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for conducting research and writing about Myanmar history.
Librarian
A Librarian helps people find and use information. They may work in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and university libraries. This course may be useful for a Librarian who wants to specialize in Myanmar studies. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for cataloging and organizing Myanmar-related materials.
Archivist
An Archivist is responsible for the care and preservation of historical documents. They may work in a variety of settings, such as libraries, museums, and government agencies. This course may be useful for an Archivist who wants to specialize in Myanmar history. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for cataloging and organizing Myanmar-related documents.
Museum curator
A Museum Curator is responsible for the care and preservation of a museum's collection. They may also be responsible for developing and presenting exhibitions. This course may be useful for a Museum Curator who wants to specialize in Myanmar art or history. It provides a foundation in the Myanmar language, including its pronunciation, tones, and grammar. This knowledge can be helpful for researching and interpreting Myanmar artifacts.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Reading Myanmar (Burmese).
Provides cultural and historical context about Myanmar. Useful for students interested in learning more about the country and its people.
A comprehensive reference grammar of the Burmese language. Useful for students interested in a deeper understanding of Burmese grammar.
This phrasebook provides a list of common Burmese phrases and their English translations. It good resource for students who need to learn basic phrases for travel or everyday life.
Provides a detailed description of the sounds of Burmese. It good resource for students who want to improve their pronunciation.
A beginner-friendly introduction to reading Burmese. Useful for students who want to learn the basics of Burmese reading before taking the course.
Provides a practical introduction to Burmese. It covers the alphabet, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the Burmese language.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to the Burmese language. It covers the alphabet, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the Burmese language.
A collection of simple Burmese stories. Useful for students who want to practice their Burmese reading skills.
Provides a detailed study of the Burmese language. It covers the alphabet, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the Burmese language.
Provides a collection of Burmese texts. It good resource for students who want to practice their reading skills.

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