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A NOTE ON NAMES AND SPELLING IN BURMESE

Names in Burmese, as in many other Southeast Asian languages, present something of a problem in English translation. The use of honorifics such as “U,” for example is difficult to understand for speakers of a language in which such formalities are dispensed with and everyone is generally called by their first name, or as “you.” Also the fact that the type of honorific used may depend on the relative social positions of the speaker, the person being spoken to, and even persons present (Ko Nay U and Maung Nay U) is confusing to English speakers accustomed to individuals retaining the same name in all occasions. In this translation we have decided to modify somewhat the Burmese system, using “I” and “you” when the flow of the text seemed to demand it, but not to Anglicize entirely. We think that approach, though not consistent, allows us to retain a Burmese flavor without getting in the way of the sense or the pace of the work.

The spelling of Burmese in English has not been standardized and there are several systems in use. Here too we have adopted an eclectic approach designed for the general reader rather than the linguist or the Burma specialist. That is, in the case of well-known names of places, objects, or individuals, we have retained the most common Anglicized spelling; for the rest, we have opted for renditions which are likely to be acceptable to the eye and ear of the average English speaker or reader, regardless of whether the rules of any one system are followed consistently. Well-eductaed Burmese frequently do the same. We have also eliminated hyphens. The result will undoubtedly not please some Burma experts, but seems to be less of a distraction to others attempting to appreciate this work.

Finally, although the official name of the nation of Burma was changed in 1989 to Myanmar, and Rangoon to Yangon, we have retained the older terms because they are familiar to the general reader and the subject is colonial Burma.

M. A-T. and W. H. F.