Myanmar or Burma? The Tale of Two Names
Many Americans might hear the country referred to as either Myanmar or Burma and wonder why there are two names for the same place. This isn't just a simple matter of a typo or regional preference; it's a story deeply rooted in history, politics, and the country's complex journey through colonialism and self-determination. Understanding why Myanmar is called Burma requires a dive into the nation's past.
A Colonial Past and a Name Change
For much of the 20th century, the country was widely known internationally as Burma. This name stemmed from the dominant ethnic group, the Bamar people, who constitute the largest population segment. The British, during their colonial rule which effectively began in the 19th century and concluded in 1948, adopted and popularized the name "Burma" for their administrative purposes and in their dealings with the outside world.
However, after gaining independence from British rule on January 4, 1948, the country retained the name Burma for several decades. The transition to "Myanmar" was a more recent and significant event, officially enacted by the ruling military junta in 1989. This change was not universally accepted or recognized immediately, leading to the ongoing use of both names, particularly by those who oppose the military regime and its decisions.
The Military Junta's Decision in 1989
In 1989, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), the military junta that seized power in 1988, announced a unilateral name change from "Burma" to "Myanmar." The junta asserted that "Myanmar" was a more inclusive name, encompassing all the country's ethnic groups, not just the Bamar. They argued that "Burma" was a colonial-era nomenclature that no longer accurately reflected the nation's diversity.
The name "Myanmar" is derived from the Burmese language (Myanma), which is considered the literary form of the Bamar language. Proponents of the change claimed it was a move towards decolonization and a reclamation of national identity. They also stated that "Myanmar" was the name used by the country in its own language, and that "Burma" was an anglicized version.
International Recognition and Controversy
The decision to change the name was met with a mixed reaction both domestically and internationally. Many governments and international organizations, including the United Nations, eventually adopted the name Myanmar. However, several Western countries, including the United States, continued to use "Burma" for a period, often as a political statement against the legitimacy of the military junta. They argued that the name change was imposed by an unelected and illegitimate military regime, and therefore should not be recognized.
The U.S. State Department, for instance, officially recognized the name "Myanmar" in 2012, following significant political reforms and the release of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. This shift in recognition reflected the changing political landscape within the country and a growing international engagement with its civilian-led government. However, the use of "Burma" has persisted in some circles, often as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the pro-democracy movement and a rejection of the military's past authoritarian rule.
The Linguistic Nuances
It's important to note that the distinction between "Burma" and "Myanmar" is not just political but also linguistic. "Burma" is the anglicized form of the word "Bamar," the name of the dominant ethnic group. "Myanmar," on the other hand, is derived from the Burmese language's literary term for the country, "Myanma." The junta's argument was that "Myanmar" was a more encompassing and accurate representation of the nation and its people, transcending the ethnic-specific "Burma."
Here's a breakdown of the origins:
- Burma: Derived from "Bamar," the name of the largest ethnic group. This was the name commonly used during the British colonial era and after independence.
- Myanmar: Derived from "Myanma," the literary and official term in the Burmese language. This name was officially adopted by the military junta in 1989, with the stated aim of being more inclusive of all ethnic groups.
The debate over which name is "correct" is ongoing and often tied to one's political stance regarding the country's history and governance. For many in the diaspora and within the pro-democracy movement, "Burma" remains a symbol of resistance against military rule, while "Myanmar" is the official designation adopted by the government.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was the country renamed from Burma to Myanmar?
The military junta that ruled the country, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), officially changed the name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989. They claimed this was a move to decolonize the nation and to adopt a more inclusive name that represented all of the country's ethnic groups, rather than just the dominant Bamar people, from whom the name "Burma" is derived.
Is Myanmar still called Burma by some people?
Yes, Myanmar is still referred to as Burma by some individuals and groups. This often includes those who oppose the former military junta and its decisions, or who wish to show solidarity with the pro-democracy movement. The United States, for example, officially recognized "Myanmar" in 2012, but the use of "Burma" persisted for a considerable time.
What is the difference between Burma and Myanmar?
Linguistically, "Burma" is an anglicized version of "Bamar," the name of the largest ethnic group. "Myanmar" is derived from "Myanma," the literary and official term for the country in the Burmese language. Politically, "Burma" was the name used during colonial times and after independence, while "Myanmar" was imposed by the military junta in 1989 with the stated intention of being more inclusive.
