Population and People
Myanmar is a union of over 100 national races with their
own languages and dialects, The major races are Bamar, Chin,
Kachin, Shan, Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Rakhine. The name
Myanmar embraces all the national races. The population of
Myanmar is 51 million with the Bamar, the majority race making
up about 70%.
Language
Myanmar (Burmese) is the country's official language, though
English is spoken in large towns and by elderly folk. There
are also many languages and dialects among the 135 different
national races.
The modern alphabet consists of 33 letters (consonants) and
12 basic vowels (sequential extensions result in 21 vowels)
which are combined with various symbols (4 in basic, 11 in
total consonant combination symbols) to indicate the tones.
Religion
Buddhism is the predominant religion of Myanmar and Theravada
Buddhism is embraced by about 80% of the population. The local
temple is central to every community, and is also a traditional
place of education.
Every male person is expected to temporarily don the monk's
robes at least once in his lifetime usually as a young man.
There is freedom of worship for other religions: Christianity,
Islam, Hinduism and Animism.
Custom
Religion
Neat and respectful dress should be worn
in all religious shrines. It is not considered polite to visit
religious monuments in shorts, miniskirts or hot pants. Though
shoes can be worn in temple compounds, they should be removed
before entering the chapel of the principal Buddha image.
Indeed, all Buddha images are regarded as sacred, regardless
of size, age or position, and should all be shown due respect.
Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a
woman, or accept anything from a woman's hand.
Social
Names are preceded by a number of different
titles. Ko is the general title for an adult male. U (pronounced
oo) precedes an older or well-respected man's name, while
Aung is used for younger men. A woman's name is preceded by
Daw. A handshake is considered an acceptable form of greeting.
Shoes are usually removed before entering a traditional home,
though this may no longer be expected in modern city residences.
Displaying the soles of the feet is considered offensive,
as is pointing feet at people or objects or touching people
on the head. Public displays of affection between men and
women are frowned upon. Small presents are acceptable and
appreciated, although never expected.
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