Myanmar

Background on Burma  __[|http://www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/maps/myanmar_(burma).gif] __

Language: [|Burmese] Writing: **Burmese** Religion: **Theravada Buddhism** For the past 30 years, the country has been ruled by an oppressive government, the tatmadaw. That is why its name was changed to Myanmar.

The writing was heavily influenced by **India and Thailand**, its neighboring countries. All three countries include the famous work //Ramayana//. It also tends to reflect on the local folklore and culture of Burma.

CLASSICAL LIT. Early Writings The earliest works to date were engraved in stone. Later, they were written on palm leaves called [|peisa], which resulted in the rounded forms of the Burmese alphabet.

Yakhaing Minthami Eigyin (Cradle of the Princess Arakan) 1455 Monks heavily influenced the literature, as they were some of the few who were literate at the time. Shin Aggathammadi- [|Jataka Stories] Shin Maha Thilawuntha- //Chronicle of History of Buddhism// Shin Ottama Gyaw- //Tawla//
 * Bagan Dynasty**
 * Inwa Dynasty**
 * Two types of literature invented- Mawagun and Eigyin. Both are related to religion, Buddhism.

Burma takes over Siam (Thailand) and Thai elements diffuse into Burmese literature. //Yadu//- an emotional and philosophical poetry verse Nawadei (1545-1600) Prince Natshinnaung (1578-1619)
 * Toungoo Dynasty**
 * Konbaung Dynasty (1700’s)- Golden Age of literature**

Ramayana adopted into Burma New poetry from Thailand- Taydat, Layayo, Dwaygyo, Bawle First printing press in Burma in 1816 U Kala- //Maha Yazawin gyi// King Bagyidaw- //Hmannan Yazawin Dawgyi **(Glass Palace Chronicles)**// Mindon Min- //Dutiya Maha Yazawin Dawgyi (Second Glass Palace Chronicles)//

The students and common people were able to write without hindrance from the Burmese king. British Colombia took over Burma. JS Furnivall created the **Burma Research Society**. They published the //Journal of the Burma Research Society//. It was about preserving Burmese culture.
 * COLONIAL LIT.**

//Hkit san// (Testing the Times)- A movement of literature in Burma started primarily by [|Theippan Maung Wa], along with New Soe, Zawgyi, Min Thu Wun and Mya Kaytu Shorter sentences, clearer in meaning. Helped spark an interest of independence for Burma.

Thakin Kodaw Hmaing- The “Father of Burmese Nationalism” Influenced people with his satirical writings

Missata Maung Hmaing hmadawbon wuttu (the Epistles of Mr Maung Hmaing) Hmawbi Hsaya Thein- //Bazat yazawin// (Oral Chronicles) Stressed the importance of oral tradition

Popular books are written by Aung San Suu Kyi, a non-violence Democratic leader. Under supression, she has been under house arrest by the government. Her works include: //Letters from Burma Freedom from Fear and Other Writings Voice of Hope Letter To Daniel Der Weg zur Freiheit Burma's Revolution of the Spirit Aung San// They mostly delt with the importance of democracy. It was surpressed. Other notable authors: Journalgyaw Ma Ma Lei- Most famous for her work about the impact of the West on Burma, //Not Out of Hate//, she has become one of the most influential writers. Thein Pei Myint- He wrote //Modern Monk// during the colonial times, and it was banned. Ludu U Hla- A journalist who traveled all around Burma to collect stories of everyday life from a multitude of people as well as different cultures. Theippan Maung Wa- He was a civil servant who wrote about life just before WWII.
 * MODERN LIT.**

Mawbi Hsaya Thein- He wrote //A Crazy Man's Shoulder Bag//, which became a classic and requirement for reading in schools. He also wrote //Oral Chronicles//, which preserves the conversations between a king and his encounters. U Nu (Former Prime Minister)- He wrote about the dangers of communism (during the time when it was closing in) and also about the horrid truths about the colonial times. He wrote about the crimes that happened before. Sadly, after he left, communism took over the country and some of his works were burned.

Now, kids are still educated in the schools, but the people are being muffled out. They need freedom. Burma is becoming a very poor country. [|Jakata Tales Video]