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Are Myanmar People Polyglots?


 Looking at Duolingo's most popular languages in Myanmar in 2021, Japanese ranks first, followed by Korean in second place. This isn’t too surprising, given the recent situation in Myanmar. Many people feel that staying in the country offers limited opportunities, leading young people to desperately seek prospects abroad. In this context, being fluent in another language becomes a crucial asset, often the first step in preparing for migration.

Language Education in Myanmar

English is widely accepted as a universal language, and most Myanmar state schools teach it from the basics, focusing on reading and writing. However, since other subjects are taught in Burmese, many people don't develop fluency in spoken English. Wealthier families may send their children to private English classes to refine their skills, but the average person doesn’t often prioritize it. That being said, there has been a significant shift in recent years, with nearly everyone now trying to improve their English. Many are using online resources like YouTube, engaging in English conversations with friends, and working towards language certifications like IELTS and TOEFL. According to reports, Singapore is the most popular English-speaking country among Myanmar locals, with the US and the UK also highly regarded.

The Rise of Japanese

Japanese has become one of the most spoken foreign languages in Myanmar, possibly even second after English. This growing interest is partly due to Japan’s reputation as a country of opportunities, which has made its culture highly admired in Myanmar. There’s even a humorous video on Myanmar social media where two Burmese men, instead of greeting each other in Burmese, communicate fluently in Japanese and give directions in Japanese. The sentence structure of Japanese and Burmese is strikingly similar, which likely makes it easier for many to pick up. As a result, young Myanmar people are increasingly learning Japanese, often with hopes of further studies or exploring opportunities in Japan.

The Popularity of Korean

Korean is another language that many Myanmar people are learning, largely due to the influence of Korean dramas. These dramas were once a major source of entertainment, frequently airing on national TV, and were particularly popular in Myanmar, as they were one of the few forms of foreign entertainment available. While not formally taught in schools, many Myanmar people developed an understanding of basic Korean words and phrases through exposure. Today, young people are pursuing the language for similar reasons as Japanese—primarily for educational opportunities rather than job prospects.

Thai: Similar Culture and Affordability

Thai is also gaining popularity in Myanmar, largely because of its cultural similarities to Myanmar and its affordability compared to other countries. Thailand is geographically close and offers relatively low living costs. While it’s hard to say if Thai is an easy language to learn, many Myanmar people who study or work in Thailand tend to pick it up. The visa requirements for Thailand are often less strict in terms of language proficiency, which makes it an appealing destination for those looking to study or work abroad.

Personal Experience

Personally, I can understand English, Korean, and Japanese, and I’m excited to see so many other Myanmar people striving to improve themselves by learning new languages.

Do You Think Myanmar Has More Polyglots Than Before?

If you’re from Myanmar, I’d love to hear from you! Please share which languages you’ve learned from the list above.


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