For centuries, the country was called Burma on account of its dominant ethnic group; Burma. However, in 1989, after the country’s military dictatorship crushed a pro-democracy rebellion, its leaders modified its name to Burma.
At the time, the country was considered an outcast within the international community and was desperate to enhance its image.
Interestingly, the name change itself meant little within the Burmese language. “Burma” is solely a more colloquial version of “Myanmar.”
The context of the name change
The name change from Burma to Burma was done by the military government that took control of the country in 1988. The government argued that the name Burma was a more inclusive name, reflecting the country’s diverse ethnic groups, while the name Burma was seen as a reputation a legacy of colonialism.
The name Burma was utilized by the British colonial government, which ruled the country until independence in 1948. However, the name Burma was also utilized by the colonial government, especially to consult with the bulk ethnic group, the Bamars.
Controversy surrounding the name change
The name change from Burma to Burma caused controversy and division. Critics of the military government argue that the name change was made without consulting the people of Burma/Myanmar and is an element of a broader government effort to consolidate power and suppress dissent.
Some opposition groups and human rights organizations proceed to make use of the name Burma, arguing that it’s the name preferred by pro-democracy activists and recalls the country’s history of resistance to authoritarian rule.
Others argue that the name Burma is more inclusive and reflects the country’s diversity of ethnic groups. The name change has been recognized by most countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, although some still use the name Burma.
Application
The name change from Burma to Burma has been a contentious issue, reflecting broader debates concerning the country’s history and identity. While the federal government has argued that the name change was intended to be more inclusive, critics see it as an emblem of authoritarianism and a rejection of the country’s history of resistance. Ultimately, ongoing debates concerning the name reflect the complex and contested nature of the country’s political and cultural identity.
Reference letter:
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Charney, M. W. (2012). Naming politics: Burma, Burma and the struggle for national identity. Journal of Current Asian Southeast Affairs, 31(3), 83-103.
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Steinberg, D. I. (2010). Burma/Myanmar: What’s behind the name? Journal of Democracy, 21(3), 143-157.
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Thant, M. (2003). Burma or Burma? The fight for national identity. Southeast Asian Affairs, 221-236.
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United Nations (2021). Member States of the United Nations. Downloaded from https://www.un.org/en/member-states/ on March 22, 2023
