Talk Now! is the world's best selling language learning CD-ROM series for beginners, used by more than three million people to date. It's ideal for travelers, holidaymakers, business people, schoolchildren, students and families.
Great for language learners, a MUST for any vacation! This Burmese Phrasebook and dictionary is a wonderful tool for your library!
Burmese Language and Culture
Where does it come from? Burmese is the official language of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).
Much of the Burmese vocabulary derives form Pail and Sanskrit although English has been very influential since the 1800s. Nearly all syllables end in a vowel, and words that end in a consanant all end with 'ng' or 'n'. Burmese is also a tonal language with just four main tones used, to the untrained ear it sounds very much like Chinese.
How many people speak it? It is spoken by approximately 22 million people as their first language, however, in total approximately 35 million have use of the language.
In how many countries? You will find that the language is also used in Thailand, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Loas and Singapore.
Music and Dance Drama is the mainstay of Burmese culture, and just about any celebration involves a 'pwe' (show). Performances may recount Buddhist legends, or be more light-hearted entertainments involving slapstick comedy, dance, ensemble singing or giant puppets. Burman music is an integral part of a pwe; it originates from Siam and emphasises rhythm and melody. Instruments are predominantly percussive and include drums, boat-shaped harps, gongs and bamboo flutes.
Food and Drink Rice is the core of any Burmese meal, added to this there are a number of curry options and raw vegetable salads. Almost everything is flavoured with 'Ngapi', a dried and fermented shrimp paste. If you are to have really authentic Burmese food then you are best to buy dishes from food stalls rather than restaurants. Sugar-cane juice is very popular streetside drink, and alcoholic drinks include orange brandy, white liquor and jungle liquor (a kind of whisky with herbs and roots are added).
