When was burma renamed myanmar

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.

Governments that agree with this stance still call the country Burma. 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. Many industry sectors are still confused about what the next steps are. While tourism has increased, many people still remain unaware of Myanmar, or why it changed its name from Burma. Like other countries that have altered identities because of changing political power—Russia and the Czech Republic, for example—Myanmar has a long way to go before it is as well-known as neighbouring Thailand, China and India.

It is important to understand the story behind name changes. As Myanmar continues to battle with tense domestic relationships, one can only hope that its identity will also improve. So, when you come to Myanmar, feel free to use the names interchangeably.

Most people do! This week, the military upended years of quasi-democratic rule in Myanmar, with soldiers taking control of the country in a carefully orchestrated coup. It claims the takeover was constitutional. But where exactly did the coup happen?

Was it in Myanmar, as the the country is officially called? Or was it in Burma, the name Washington continues to use? The answer is complicated. Because when it comes to Myanmar, pretty much everything is political.

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