Burmese

At IU you can learn Burmese language to achieve a wide range of goals, including, but not limited to, the enhancement of your qualifications for international business, the exploration or cultivation of family heritage, the direct access to a prominent cultural tradition, and the skill acquisition for your research in academic fields, such as the history of Southeast Asian and ASEAN countries and their art-related history.

Burmese Language

The Southeast Asian Studies Program offers 4 semesters of Burmese language instruction:

SEAS-B 101 Elementary Burmese I
Linguistic competencies upon completion of this course (ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012):
Speaking and Listening: Novice Mid
Students can can communicate with a number of isolated words and memorized phrases limited by the particular context. Students can understand the simple short length speech with ease and confidence what students can experience in their personal and social contexts.
Reading and Writing: Novice Low
Students can recognize Burmese numbers and ½ Burmese letters. Students can write some Burmese numbers and form ½ Burmese letters.
Culture competencies upon completion of this course:
Students understand Burmese norms of courtesy while dining and appropriate attire for specific occasions.

SEAS-B 102 Elementary Burmese II
Linguistic competencies upon completion of this course (ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012):
Speaking and Listening: Novice High
Student will be able to communicate with simple words, memorized phrases & expressions in more formal situations such as attending the ceremonies and speaking with the older people etc. Students will be able to understand the simple short length speeches with ease and confidence what students can experience in their personal and social contexts.
Reading and Writing: Novice High
Students will be able to read simple words about daily routines and phrases that describes weekends’ activities. Students will be able to write the phone numbers, the time, the activities on weekend.
Culture competencies upon completion of this course:
Students will develop insight into the Burmese cultural perspectives and practices from studying distinctive features of ceremonies & festivals, the nature of tea culture in Myanmar, and the daily routines of traditional Myanmar farmers.

SEAS-B 201 Intermediate Burmese I
Linguistic competencies upon completion of this course (ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012):
Speaking and Listening: Intermediate Mid
Student will be able to communicate with more formal and organized words, phrases and expressions, response to the direct questions or request for information with ease and confidences. Students will be able to understand the formal and complete speeches with ease and confidence.
Reading and Writing: Novice High
Students will be able to read common phrases and short sentences. Students will be able to write their ages, numbers and simple phrases, some question phrases.
Culture competencies upon completion of this course:
Students will gain the Burmese cultural norms and practices such as the lifestyles Burmese villagers, the distinctive features of traditional games and toys, and the daily activities of a typical Burmese family.

SEAS-B 202 Intermediate Burmese II
Linguistic competencies upon completion of this course (ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012):
Speaking and Listening: Intermediate High
Students can converse with ease and confidence when dealing with uncomplicated tasks and social situations. Students can understand the formal and longer speeches with ease and confident.
Reading and Writing: Intermediate Low
Students can recognize the common phrases and collocation and can read the short paragraphs. Students can write short phrases, requests and sentences about future plans, daily routines.
Culture competencies upon completion of this course:
Students gain a deeper understanding of Burmese cultural norms and practices such as dos and don’ts at the Buddhist Monastery, how Burmese people talk to Buddhist monks and different donations for different purposes

For more information about these courses, please contact our Director, Dr. Margaret (Peg) Sutton.