burma
LowFormal, Historical, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The historical and common name for the country in Southeast Asia now officially called Myanmar.
A term used in historical, geopolitical, or cultural contexts to refer to the country, its people, language, or culture; often carries connotations of the country's pre-1989 identity and colonial history.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Usage is sensitive and politicized. 'Myanmar' is the official name adopted by the ruling government in 1989. 'Burma' is preferred by some opposition groups, used in historical contexts, and remains common in colloquial English, especially among older speakers and in the UK.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British media and official discourse more frequently retain 'Burma' in a historical context or as a matter of tradition. American usage has generally shifted more decisively to 'Myanmar' in official contexts, though 'Burma' remains in common use.
Connotations
In British usage, 'Burma' may evoke colonial history (British Burma) and WWII campaigns. In American usage, it can signal a stance either supporting the opposition or adhering to pre-1989 naming conventions.
Frequency
'Burma' is more persistent in everyday British English. In American English, 'Myanmar' is increasingly dominant in news and formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Geographical Name] of Burmahistoric [Noun] in BurmaVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Burma Road (also refers to a difficult supply route)”
- “a road to Mandalay (evocative of Burma)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in historical company names or references to 'Burma teak'. Modern use favors 'Myanmar' for trade.
Academic
Used in historical, colonial, or post-colonial studies to refer to the period before 1989. Disciplines may specify which term to use.
Everyday
Used interchangeably with 'Myanmar', often depending on speaker's age and familiarity. 'I visited Burma years ago.'
Technical
In cartography or historical documents, 'Burma' is the standard label for pre-1989 maps and data.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The region was burma-ed by the colonial administration. (Non-standard, highly contextual creative use)
adjective
British English
- Burma teak is highly prized for its durability.
American English
- She collects Burma-Shave advertising signs. (Historical reference to a brand)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Burma is a country in Asia.
- The capital of Burma is Naypyidaw.
- My grandfather served in Burma during the war.
- They import beautiful lacquerware from Burma.
- The decision to rename Burma as Myanmar was controversial internationally.
- British colonial rule in Burma lasted until 1948.
- Many pro-democracy activists still prefer the name Burma as a rejection of the junta's authority.
- The historiography of late colonial Burma focuses on the rise of nationalist movements.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Burma' as the older, shorter map label, like 'Persia' for Iran.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FROZEN NAME: 'Burma' conceptualizes the country as a historical snapshot, a place preserved in time before a political renaming.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Russian 'Бирма' directly corresponds to 'Burma', not 'Myanmar'. 'Мьянма' is the direct equivalent of 'Myanmar'. The shift in English is mirrored in Russian, causing similar confusion over preferred terms.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Burmese' as the noun for the country (correct: 'Burma' or 'Myanmar'). 'Burmese' is the adjective and language. Incorrect: 'He is from Burmese.' Correct: 'He is from Burma/Myanmar.' or 'He is Burmese.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Burma' most appropriately used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on context. 'Myanmar' is the official name and is safest in formal, modern contexts. 'Burma' is appropriate for historical discussions or if aligning with the usage of certain political groups. In everyday conversation, both are understood.
It can be politically sensitive. Some within Myanmar see it as a colonial relic; others embrace it as a symbol of resistance. When in doubt, especially in writing, using 'Myanmar' is the less contentious choice.
The adjective is 'Burmese', which also refers to the majority ethnic group and the official language. This remains true regardless of whether you use 'Burma' or 'Myanmar' for the country name (e.g., Burmese culture, the Burmese language).
In 1989, the military government changed the English name from 'Burma' to 'Myanmar' to align English names with Burmese pronunciation and to shed colonial associations. Not all countries or groups recognized the change immediately.