Translators - Electronic > Translation by Language > Minor Languages > Burmese

Like most languages of eastern Asia, Burmese has Chinese origins. In fact, it's a member of the Tibeto-Burman language family. That, in turn, derives from the Sino-Tibetan language family. As with languages of this origin, Burmese:

• Is tonal.
• Uses clear, simple syntax as opposed to the complicated, often unclear syntax of Western languages such as English.
• Uses a subject–object–verb word order, which can be disorienting to English speakers. We use a subject-verb-object word order, typically with adjectives, adverbs, and articles thrown in.

If you're an American traveling to Myanmar, you will likely encounter English speakers. But that doesn't mean easy communication. Some tips on speaking English in Myanmar (can also help in the USA!):

• Clearly annunciate your ending consonants. Midwesterners in the USA tend not to do this.
• Use short words. They are easier to understand.
• Speak a bit more slowly than usual. Your Burmese counterpart can probably understand your rapid speech, but the opposite may not be true. By speaking more slowly and deliberately, you help slow the other person down so you can understand.
• Avoid slang.
• If you don't quite understand, ask the other person to repeat. But don't shout. The problem isn't deafness, but a difference in articulation.
• Use the correct date format. In the USA, many people use a date format that is unclear to the rest of the world. Rather than say "3-9-2014," say "09 MAR 2014" or "03 SEP 2014" depending on which date you actually mean.

The typical way it's used:

1. You look up a word or a phrase.
2. You use the phonetic results to pronounce the word or phrase to the other person

Alternatively, the other person can use the device to answer you. Remember, it translates in any direction. The controls are in English, so you may need to show the other person how to use it. This is pretty easy to do.

Some specifications:

• Voice Output
• Translates Over 1 Million Words
• 100,000 Useful and Popular Phrases
• New Oxford American Dictionary
• 8 Currency Conversions
• 8 Metric Conversions
• Local Time 12/24 Hour Format
• Voice / Memo Recorder
• World Time in 360 Cities
• 8 Travel Games:
  Soduko, Kakuro, Decoder, Mines, Number Slide,
  Totem Pole, 24, Number Puzzle.
• 8 line display with LED backlight.
• Clear Sound Quality
• FM scan radio
• Maintains history and favorites list
• Carrying Case Included
• Ear Buds Included
• Powered by 2 "AAA" batteries (Included)
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Size: 7.0" x 2.0" x 9.5" In.
• Six Month Warranty

More specs and information