Q and A on Burma (sometimes called Myanmar) -- as words --

Question: "I read with much interest, your explanation of the meanings of the word "Naing Ngan", such as what it meant back in the Pagan period and what it means now. Given that, I was wondering if you could educate me on the etymology of the words Bama and Myanmar, particularly when they were first used and the scope of their meanings in the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial periods.

Moreover, I vaguely recall reading somewhere that the word Bama has its roots in Bhrama, the highest of the 31 realms in Buddhist world view. Is that accurate?"

Answer:

I am not a linguist nor an etymologist. I don't know the answers to your questions. Ask someone else.

Essentially there is no difference between the 2 words in the Burmese language, except "Bamar" is more colloquial and "Myanmar" more formal.

But because the SLORC (predecessor) of SPDC unilaterally changed the names of everything in 1988 after it clamped down, we dissidents insist on Burma, not "Mee -- ahn marr" as many foreigners mispronounce it.

Your question about etymology points to a wish for "authenticity" but that is less important than how the words are used right now in a current context.

BTW -- I have never written abt the word Naing Gan and what it meant in the Bagan (Pagan) period.

Naing Gan before the 19th century meant city states.

If you attribute something to me, please provide an exact reference.

KMK