When was burma changed to myanmar

At the same time, a number of other place names were changed to conform more closely to their original pronunciation in the Burmese language. The new names have been accepted by most countries, the United Nations, and other major international organizations.

A few governments, activist groups, and news media outlets, however, still cling to the old forms, primarily as a protest against the former military regime's refusal to put the question of a name change to the people of Myanmar. Some countries, like Australia, have taken a mixed approach, at times using both names as a way of registering concern over human rights abuses and offering a gesture of support for the country's embattled democracy movement, while also bowing to the formal demands of diplomatic protocol.

The old names were also believed to be the preference of Aung San Suu Kyi. On November 8, , a general election was held which, by most accounts, was reasonably free and fair. As a result, it was able to elect a new president in and pass a law creating the position of state counselor for Aung San Suu Kyi who under the constitution is unable to become president.

Who cares what people call the country? It's the human rights abuses that matter. It's probable it will carry on being called Myanmar after the regime is gone. Colloquial name. The two words mean the same thing and one is derived from the other. Burmah, as it was spelt in the 19th Century, is a local corruption of the word Myanmar.

They have both been used within Burma for a long time, says anthropologist Gustaaf Houtman, who has written extensively about Burmese politics.

Myanmar is the literary form, which is ceremonial and official and reeks of government. If Burmese people are writing for publication, they use 'Myanmar', but speaking they use 'Burma', he says. This reflects the regime's attempt to impose the notion that literary language is master, Mr Houtman says, but there is definitely a political background to it. Richard Coates, a linguist at the University of Western England, says adopting the traditional, formal name is an attempt by the junta to break from the colonial past.

Burma or Myanmar: why does the Southeast Asian country have two names? Its rich history has been rollercoaster of ups and downs, leading to this somewhat dual identity.

In , the ruling military government changed the name from Burma to Myanmar after thousands were killed in an uprising. The city of Rangoon also became Yangon. However, most people continue to use both names interchangeably without much fuss. Sometimes Burma is just an easier word to pronounce. Both words have the same origin, linguistically. Myanma is the literary, written name of the country and Bama is more colloquial. One is more formal than the other. Burma is considered to describe ethnic Burmans only, so Myanmar became the politically correct term, which is supposed to encompass all who live in the country.

The name change was also a way to rid the country of British colonial influences. In the past year, the government has faced quite a few challenges as it embarks on social and economic reform in Myanmar.