Burmese Culture - Myanmar by Kimma Jensen

Burmese Language

kimmajensen — 2024-08-29 02:50:58 UTC

The official language of Myanmar is Burmese it is spoken collectively across the country as a first and second language. It is taught in all schools across the country. There are many indigenous languages/ dialects spread across the lands of Myanmar and they vary linguistically, geographically, and or regionally. Until 1962 after gaining independence English was considered the national language, while it is no longer taught in schools it is accepted that basic knowledge is necessary, and its instruction is encouraged. (Aungi-Thwin et al., 1999)

_{Aungi-Thwin, M. A., Aung, A. H., & Steinberg, D. I. (1999, July 26).}_Myanmar_{. Encyclopedia Britannica.}_{https://www.britannica.com/place/Myanmar}

Music

kimmajensen — 2024-08-29 02:57:40 UTC

Music plays an essential role in the lives and culture of the Burmese people. The Hsaing Waing is the national musical ensemble consisting of many traditional instruments. The ensemble accompanies religious ceremonies, rituals, and performances dating back to 1544. Modern adaptations to the Hsaing Waing include performances at events such as graduations, welcoming ceremonies, and festivals. The music is often accompanied by dance, theatrical performances, and storytelling. It is not just a means of entertainment but also a means of education of religion, culture, and spirit within the community. (Kengkaew, 2015, p. 1-13)

_{Kengkaew, C. (2015). Traditional Burmese Musical Instruments and Their Roles in Hsaing Waing.}_{The International Journal of Critical Cultural Studies}_,₁₃_{(4), 1-13.}_{https://doi.org/10.18848/2327-0055/cgp/v13i04/43685}

Food

kimmajensen — 2024-08-29 03:01:31 UTC

Burmese food is vibrant, healthy, nutritious, and texturally exciting. Mains are served with an accompaniment of sides and sauces. Popular dishes include the likes of local protein, fresh vegetables, herbs, and rice processed and cooked in many ways.

Here is an example of 3 highly recommended Burmese dishes to try from https://www.rainforestcruises.com/guides/myanmar-food

1. Nan Gyi Thoke – A warm rice noodle salad with chicken or beef curry served with chili oil, toasted chickpea powder, and shallots.

2. Myanmar Shrimp Curry -

3. Mohinga – The national dish of Myanmar it is a lemongrass noodle soup often served for breakfast with split pea fritters, duck eggs, and fishcakes.

(Lewis, 2021)

_{Lewis, R. (2021, April 28).}_{Myanmar food: 15 traditional dishes you should eat}_{. Rainforest Cruises.}_{https://www.rainforestcruises.com/guides/myanmar-food}

Traditional Medicine

kimmajensen — 2024-08-29 03:53:34 UTC

Traditional medicine is used extensively in Myanmar. The use of traditional medicine is of high importance to the health and well-being of the Burmese community and culture. Methods and practices are passed down through generations. (Awale et al., 2006, p. 47-48)

Thanaka is a traditional medicine made from the bark of the Thananka tree. For centuries Burmese women and children have been applying the ground paste to their face and skin daily to treat acne, for sun protection, and for its skincare properties. Thanaka trees are grown throughout Myanmar and harvested for their bark which is then sold in local markets.

(Lim et al., 2021, p. 68)

_{Awale, S., Linn, T. Z., Than, M. M., Swe, T., Saiki, I., & Kadota, S. (2006). The healing art of traditional medicines in Myanmar.}_{Journal of Traditional Medicines}_,₂₃_{(2), 47-68.}_{https://doi.org/10.11339/jtm.23.47}

_{Lim, M. W., Aroua, M. K., & Gew, L. T. (2021). Thanaka (H. crenulata, N. crenulata, L. acidissima L.): A systematic review of its chemical, biological properties and Cosmeceutical applications.}_Cosmetics_,₈_{(3), 68.}_{https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8030068}

Domain 1. Compentency Standard 2.2 Reflection

kimmajensen — 2024-08-29 04:51:28 UTC

For me, the most significant aspect of the competency standard 2.2 is understanding all cultural and language differences are important to address with a migrant or refugee patient. Now having learned further about the use of traditional medicines there is a huge importance and emphasis in my idea of safe nursing practice to be aware and informed so I can ensure my patients understand the importance of all aspects of their prescribed medicine, its use, and storage. I will consider a wide range of resources and aids to use to assist me in my nursing of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds

Social Inclustion & Non-Discrimination

kimmajensen — 2024-08-29 06:07:25 UTC

Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination impact the lives of immigrant Burmese as it ensures a mentally healthy transition into Australian life it is an essential part of integrating and participating in a multicultural society. According to Bateman and Merton (2007), Social inclusion is important to mental health” (p.i) social inclusion is described as “being able to participate in and contribute to all aspects of a society that genuinely includes people living with mental illness; that supports, intervenes and prevents crises; and that does not discriminate or stigmatise”. Being part of a community and feeling safe ensures better outcomes in migrant health.

_{Merton, R., & Bateman, J. (2007).}_{Social Inclusion: Its importance to mental health}_{. Mental Health Coordinating Council.}_{https://www.mhcc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/mhcc-social-inclusion.pdf}

Common Refugee Health Issue

kimmajensen — 2024-08-29 08:24:28 UTC

A 2009 study of 156 Burmese refugees settling in Australia found that 37% were deficient in Vitamin D. The average age of the group was 30 years old, 51.3% male and 48.7% female. (Chaves et al., 2009) A vitamin D deficiency is a common health concern of refugees arriving in Australia. According to the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, a treatment option available is an iron oral D3 supplement. The dosage of the medication is dependent on age. It is advised to discuss exposure to the sun with the patient to encourage them to participate in outdoor activity to promote the production of vitamin D naturally in the body. (Paxton & Singleton, 2018)

_{Chaves, N. J., Gibney, K. B., Leder, K., O’Brien, D. P., Marshall, C., & Biggs, B. (2009). Screening practices for infectious diseases among Burmese refugees in Australia.}_{Emerging Infectious Diseases}_,₁₅_{(11), 1769-1772.}_{https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1511.090777}

_{Paxton, G., & Singleton, G. (2018).}_{Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide: Primary care for people from refugee backgrounds}_{. Foundation House.}_{https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/low-vitamin-d/}