coursemapLoading course
School of Culture History and Language · ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
Burmese is the official language of Myanmar and serves as the main lingua franca in the country as well as in Burmese communities worldwide. Myanmar embraces many ethnic groups and a diversity of cultures while being predominantly a Buddhist country. Burmese has a long history of use in literary works and music, and today the language serves as a key medium connecting Myanmar communities domestically and internationally via the internet. Students will develop an understanding of basic cultural practices in Myanmar society through this course. In this course, students will be introduced to spoken-style Burmese language and gain communicative competence at an introductory level. The course emphasizes conversations in everyday situations such as greetings, shopping, family gatherings, describing hobbies, expressing likes and dislikes, and making reservations. Students will also learn how to use the language appropriately in different social situations while familiarizing themselves with reading and writing Burmese script. Students will study short conversations and texts, learning the main aspects of phonology, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary of Burmese. Students are given opportunities to practice their Burmese listening, speaking, writing, reading, and translation skills Throughout the semester, students will role-play conversations and occasionally interact with Burmese guest speakers who share their lived experiences of their own places and cultures to enhance students' receptive, interactive, and productive skills.
Participation
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Weekly Online Quizzes (10 x 1.5 % each)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5
Midsemester Written and Reading Assessment (The written component requires students to write 30 words in Burmese Scripts)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Midsemester Listening Comprehension and Oral Assessment
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Final Written and Reading Assessment (The written component requires students to write 50 words in Burmese Scripts)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Final Listening Comprehension and Oral Assessment
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Weekly Online Assignments (10 x 2 % each)
Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
The total workload for the subject is 130 hours over 12 weeks of class and the examination period. Each week students are expected to study for 6 hours as follows: 1. 90 minutes in total, before each online class, working on the written and audio materials for the week, and, memorising the written and spoken forms of that week’s vocabulary; 2. 180 minutes in total, participating in two 90-minute online classes; 3. 90 minutes in total, completing online follow-up exercises regarding listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and vocabulary. It is also expected that students should spend at least 4 hours of individual study practicing the week’s written and spoken language forms and vocabulary and reviewing feedback on their work. Other Information Equivalent to CEFR A1; MLT (Myanmar Language Test) MB On successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to engage at an introductory level of Burmese. Students with native speaker proficiency (may include cognate languages and dialects) must review the language proficiency assessment site and contact the CAP Student Centre for appropriate enrolment advice. Students with previous “language experience or exposure” are required to take a language placement test to ensure enrolment at the most appropriate level. Relevant past experience includes: - Previous study of the language (both formal and informal, for example but not limited to, at school, or, home, or through online activities, etc.) - Being exposed to the language in childhood via a family member or friend - Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken - The language being spoken in your home (even if you do not speak it yourself) Students who are not sure if they need to take a placement test should seek advice from the course or language convenor. Students who intentionally misrepresent their language proficiency level may be investigated under the Academic Integrity Rule 2021 as having failed to comply with assessment directions and having sought unfair advantage. This may result in a penalty such as reduced grades or failure of the course.
Original ANU weekly teaching materials will be available on the BURM1002 - Burmese 1 Wattle site. Students are strongly recommended to obtain this dictionary. Pocket Burmese Dictionary (Burmese-English / English-Burmese) Publisher: Periplus, Edition: 2008, EBook (2014) is also available. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES 1. Burmese by Ear or Essential Myanmar Author: John Okell Notes: Available for free download from here. https://www.soas.ac.uk/bbe/ 2. Burmese: An Introduction to the Spoken Language Book 1 Author: John Okell (Northern Illinois University Press, 2010)