Discovering
Myanmar Literature
Rice Pounding Song
Myanmar...
• Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is an exotic
travel destination.
• "Golden Land" is a popular sobriquet
of Myanmar.
Myanmar Literature...
• Burmese literature was historically influenced by Indian and
Thai cultures, as seen in many works, such as the Ramayana.
• The Burmese language, unlike other Southeast Asian
languages (e.g. Thai, Khmer), adopted words primarily
from Pali rather than from Sanskrit.
• Burmese literature has the tendency to reflect local folklore
and culture.
Let's unlock these words!
Shwe Naung - it is known as Yawngwhe. It is a town in a few
kilometers north of Inle Lake in the Shan State of Myanmar.
Alms - money or food given to poor people.
Coverlet - a bed quilt that does not cover the pillow, used
chiefly for warmth; bedspread.
Let's unlock these words!
Opium - a reddish-brown heavy-scented addictive drug
prepared from the juice of the opium poppy, used as a
narcotic and in medicine as an analgesic.
Teak - it is a strong, hard, yellowish-brown wood of a
tree that grows in Southeast Asia, use for making
furniture and ship.
Pluck - means to uproot or pull.
Set down the mortars, line them up neatly,
Girls of Shwe Naung, take up the pestle-stones;
Then sing we and chant it, merrily in time,
As gracefully we pound away.
What means that noise, that bustle we hear?
Oh, a lady of Shwe Naung is giving alms,
With the music of drums and gongs.
There is red-gold radiance over there;
Perhaps the sun has risen.
No, it’s the dyed robes of the monks
On their rounds with their begging bowls.
Come, fill them with alms-food!
This chickransia which I planted,
Isn’t it lovely? Tiny buds on slender stems.
But if you pluck them before they flower,
My plant will wither away, you know.
Hey there, maiden at the loom,
What cloth are you weaving?
Oh, need you ask, in these thin times?
It’s a cotton coverlet for me.
I live in a house of teak,
Bright at night with torches.
It’s true, my parents are rich;
Yet if you dare not come yourself,
You can at least send a letter.
The poor man is moping in the house.
Feeling out of sorts and shaky
Because he’s short of opium.
Very well, wry topknot,
Sell my fine gold earplugs if you must,
My handsome brother, a word with you
Before you leave for lower country;
If you find a wife there do not leave her,
Bring her to us, we’ve use for her.
She can fetch us water, gather firewood,
And pound our rice —oh, lots of uses!
I’ve bought a pair of sandals,
Such pretty red sandals.
But I shan’t wear them yet.
When you and I are truly wedded,
Then, I shall wear them.
That's all!
Thank you for listening!
Topiv 2
Sub-topic 1 Sub-topic 2
Presentations are Presentations are
communication tools that can communication tools that can
be used as speeches, reports, be used as speeches, reports,
and more. and more.
Sub-topic 3 Sub-topic 4
Presentations are Presentations are
communication tools that can communication tools that can
be used as speeches, reports, be used as speeches, reports,
and more. and more.
Topic 3
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3
Presentations are Presentations are Presentations are
communication tools. communication tools. communication tools.
Conclusion
Presentations are communication tools that can be
used as demonstrations, lectures, speeches, reports,
and more. Most of the time, they’re presented
before an audience. Presentations are
communication tools that can be used as speeches,
reports, and more.
Presentations are communication tools that can be
used as demonstrations, lectures, speeches, reports,
and more. Most of the time, they’re presented
before an audience.
References
Reading History for Students
By Dana Blakemoor
What Makes the Past Important
By Chrissy Malpert
Thank You for
listening!
