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Standing at the crossroads of south and southeast Asia, Myanmar has diverse culinary food options to offer from spicy Indian food to sweet flavors of Thai food. Food in Myanmar also differs across diverse ethnic groups, and geography. Their food features rice every day, and they are also fond of noodles, and meat items although in small quantities due to its high price.  Rice is their main food, and it comprises about 75 percent of their diet (Twr. Webadmin, 2015). Also, most traditional snacks are generally made with rice and there are varieties to it with different flavors. Some food preparations may be very complicated as it takes hours and days to prepare. In the kitchens, freshly grown ingredients with different colors are used. All in all, Burmese food culture has a unique taste and appearance that matches the countries rich culinary traditions.

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The Burmese language have been influenced by cultures of various countries such as Indian, Chinese, and Thai. Also, the Burmese writing was derived from the Indian Brahmi script, and it is read from left to right. The language origins date back to the time when Chinese migration came to Burma and while the writing came from South, which is India today. The language is spoken by over 30 million people (S, 2024). Burmese is officially spoken by Bamar people which is a dominant ethnic group in Myanmar however it is also spoken by various ethnic groups. Also, the Burmese language is closely associated with the country’s religion Buddhism. This language is not just spoken in Myanmar but is also widely spoken in some other southeast Asian nations.

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Chan, A. (2015, March 7). A Glance at Traditional Medicine in Myanmar - Myanmar Insider. Myanmar Insider. https://www.myanmarinsider.com/a-glance-at-traditional-medicine-in-myanmar/

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The belief to find cure and heal using natural goodness is widely popular in the Asian Nations and Myanmar is no exception. 75% of Myanmar’s population resort to traditional medicine treatment due to easier access, availability and affordability (Chan, 2015). This system of using traditional medicines shows how the nation is influenced with Buddhist philosophy. For generations people of Myanmar have resorted to traditional medicine, and it is still popular today. For example, the use of Tamarind to treat fever, indigestion, skin irritations, and wounds due to the medicinal properties of the stable fruit (Tamarind). The country has been using this natural remedies for centuries in its healthcare practices. Today the Myanmar government has formally included traditional medicine in its healthcare system.

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Clinicians cater to all patients, regardless of their cultural background. While interacting with the refugees, effective communication is very vital thus they put in efforts to make sure that refugees can understand the information provided to them with regards to procedures and treatments. The clinicians are also responsible to ensure that the side effects, risks, and benefits of the medications and instructions are clearly given. Besides these, both the patients and their cultural beliefs and practices regarding health are respected. This helps the clinician to build trust and maintain good relationship with the with the refugee patients. Thus, it is through proper clinical practice migrants and refugees can feel safe in a foreign land.

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For any refugees arriving in another country, social inclusion and non-discrimination are important social determinants as per WHO (World Health Organization: WHO, 2019). For the Burmese refugees this could impact their well-being. The WHO’s determinant mainly refers to ensuring that anyone regardless of their cast, religion shall be given the right to participate in the society. Refugees should be able to access essential services, education and employment to start their new lives. Also, all refugees must be given equal treatment as discrimination based on certain factors may have a significant bad impact on their health. Fulfilment of these determinants will positively contribute to the refugee’s mental health, build social connection, encourage community encouragement and they will also contribute to the Australian society.

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Refugees from Myanmar arriving in Australia faces several health issues ranging from depression, PTSD, to Tuberculosis, Vitamin D deficiency and others (Queensland Government , 2011). One of the health issues faced by refugees include malaria. Given that the refugees come from a poor environment with no measures put in place to prevent malaria outbreak, the refugees are already infected by the time they arrive in Australia. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by mosquito with symptoms ranging from mild to death in severe cases. To combat this issue, the Australian government has taken initiative to provide diagnosis and treatment for those infected. Medications are provided on case-by-case basis and earlier the diagnosis, faster is the treatment and recovery rate of the refugees.

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The Burmese religion is entangled with variation in ethnic identities across the country and each is shaped by dynamic social and political forces. Majority of the Burmese follow Buddhism. The country’s first prime minister, U Nu, who was also a devout Buddhist, established Buddhism as the official religion of the nation. Today the country has a total of 135 ethnic groups and Buddhism stands out at the primary religion as it comprises of 88 percent of the population (Myanmar, n.d.). It is in a nation’s religion that shapes the country’s culture and their daily lives.  From the towering pagodas to the rituals that people are involved in, there are endless spiritualism to offer to anyone visiting the nation. The famous pagodas attract pilgrims from all over the world. It is a place where people gather for culture and social activities. Unlike guides in other places, here you will be guided by the monks. The country’s rich heritage in Buddhism provides good view of the Burmese culture.

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Burmese Language Sample | Language Museum. (2024). Language-Museum.com. https://www.language-museum.com/encyclopedia/b/burmese.php‌

Chan, A. (2015, March 7). A glance at traditional medicine in Myanmar. Myanmar Insider. https://www.myanmarinsider.com/a-glance-at-traditional-medicine-in-myanmar/

Migrant and Refugee Woman Partnership. (n.d.). Domain 1 clinical expert. In Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Queensland Government. (2011). Burmese Australian. In Company profiles for healthcare service providers.

S, R. (2024, June 10). Cat got your tongue? Casting the spotlight on the Burmese language. Asian Absolute. https://asianabsolute.co.uk/blog/burmese-language

Twr_Webadmin. (2015, June 17). Customs and cuisine of Myanmar. Together Women Rise. https://togetherwomenrise.org/customsandcuisine/myanmar-customs-and-cuisine/

United States Institute of Peace. (n.d.). Myanmar. https://www.usip.org/programs/religion-and-conflict-country-profiles/myanmar

World Health Organization. (2019, May 30). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Wun, U. (1958, February 1). The Burmese language. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1958/02/the-burmese-language/306831/

(2024). Insightguides.com. https://www.insightguides.com/trip/flavours-of-myanmar-a-culinary-journey‌