This introductory course in modern Burmese aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of Burmese by developing core competencies in the Burmese script and the spoken language. The course aims to equip students with foundational vocabulary, grammar, spoken and aural comprehension skills, and basic proficiency in written script.

The first semester (1A) focuses primarily on Colloquial (or Spoken) Burmese, with some excursions into the Literary Style, usually reserved for written communication. Students learn to speak in simulated conversations: as a shopkeeper in Bogyoke Market, a pilgrim on the way to Shwe Dagon, or a diner in a Mandalay restaurant. Students will study fragments of poetry, passages from short stories, song lyrics, and political cartoons, and attempt to compose their own poems, prose, song titles, and song lyrics.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for BURMESE 1A after passing BURMESE 1B.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.