Burmese Stories for Language Learners: Short Stories and Folktales in Burmese and English (Free Online Audio Recordings)

This book introduces 25 stories from Myanmar in parallel Burmese and English versions, designed to help language learners expand their vocabulary and understanding of Burmese language and culture. The stories include Yangon Diary, The Water Festival, and The Sound of the Harp, and free audio recordings are available online to help students improve their pronunciation and comprehension skills.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Discover the captivating beauty of Myanmar while enhancing your language skills! This book is specially crafted for beginning to intermediate language learners, offering a delightful blend of 25 captivating stories in parallel Burmese and English versions. Whether you're a student enrolled in Burmese language courses or simply a passionate individual seeking to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Myanmar's modern and traditional stories, this book is your gateway to a deeper understanding of Burmese language and culture.

Designed with elegance and practicality, this volume is a treasure trove of language learning resources. The stories within gradually increase in length and complexity, catering to the evolving language abilities of the reader. From the bustling streets of Yangon to the vibrant celebrations of Thingyan, each chapter unveils a new facet of Myanmar's rich heritage and culture.

Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of Yangon Diary, where Aung Kyaw takes you on a typical day in the bustling capital city, from savoring breakfast in a teashop to navigating the never-ending traffic jams. This chapter serves as a valuable introduction to essential basic language for discussing everyday life experiences.

Next, delve into the lively and festive atmosphere of The Water Festival, where Zin Moe paints a vivid picture of Thingyan, the New Year's celebration where people engage in water fights and revel in the spirit of unity. Learn about the traditions, customs, and the unique way Myanmar celebrates this joyous occasion.

Then, be transported to the ancient temple city of Bagan, where The Sound of the Harp unfolds a traditional and tragic love story. Set against the backdrop of this historic city, a princess falls deeply in love with a humble harp player, igniting the wrath of the King. Caught in a tragic predicament, they are confined to a cave, where their love story continues to echo through the ages. Even today, on the night of a full moon, the sound of the harp can still be heard in the sacred halls of Bagan, a testament to the enduring power of love and the rich cultural heritage of Myanmar.

To enhance your language learning journey, free audio recordings of the stories are readily available online. These recordings feature the voices of native speakers, allowing you to improve your pronunciation and comprehension skills. Cultural notes and discussion questions further enrich your understanding of the stories, fostering a deeper connection with Myanmar's heritage and traditions.

In addition, an overview of Burmese grammar and vocabulary is provided, offering valuable insights into the language's structure and nuances. This comprehensive guide will empower you to navigate the Burmese language with confidence and proficiency.

So, embark on this linguistic adventure and let Myanmar's stories ignite your passion for language and culture. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate learner, this book is your key to unlocking the mysteries of Burmese and embarking on a journey of linguistic discovery. Uncover the beauty of Myanmar's language and culture, one story at a time.

Weight: 397g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780804854498