Burmese culture by

The Burmese language

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Burmese is the national language of Myanmar, a country that was previously known as Burma. Since 1989, the official name of the country has been the Union of Myanmar, but many people still refer to the language as Burmese in English. Myanmar is located between the Tibetan plateau and the Malay peninsula, and it shares borders with Bangladesh and India to the west. (Wheatley, 2009).

Burmese has a recorded history spanning a thousand years, with its earliest texts already showing the influence of foreign languages, particularly in vocabulary. Although Burmese grammar shows less foreign influence, some phrase structures suggest patterns borrowed from other languages (Jenny, 2015).

References

Jenny, M. (2015). Foreign influence in the Burmese language. In International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies: Burma/Myanmar in Transition: Connectivity, Changes and Challenges, Chiangmai, Thailand, 24–25 July 2015 (pp. 1–21).

Wheatley, J. K. (2009). Burmese. In The world's major languages (2nd ed., pp. 17). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203301524

Burmese music

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This emphasis is mainly about kibigaku, a type of gagaku music. Gagaku originally came to Japan from China and was adapted to fit Japanese culture, becoming a significant part of court life. It was used for both entertainment and important civil and religious ceremonies. Kibigaku, as a new form of ritual music, played a key role in Shinto worship (Douglas, 2011).

Traditional Burmese music, specially forms like mahagita (a classical collection), is linked to health and well-being in cultural practices. In Burmese culture, music is commonly used in religious and spiritual settings, including meditation, ceremonies, and healing rituals. It is believed to have soothing and healing effects on both the mind and body (Douglas, 2010).

References

Douglas, G. (2011). Mediated tradition: The globalization of Burmese music. In Ethnomusicological encounters with music and musicians (1st ed., pp. 13). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315580593

Douglas, G. (2010). Music in Ritual and Healing: Intersections of Sound, Space, and Spirit in Burmese Buddhist Practice. In S. R. Friedson & G. Simonett (Eds.), Music and Healing in Transcultural Perspectives (pp. 127-144). Routledge.

Burmese Traditional medicine

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In Myanmar, traditional medicine has been practiced for generations and remains popular, especially in rural areas where Western medicine might not be available. The country, being largely agricultural, has a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants that are used as cost-effective treatments for various illnesses (Chan, 2015).

Common herbs used include turmeric, ginger, and garlic, each known for its specific health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, digestive, and antimicrobial properties (Ministry of Health and Sports, 2019). Traditional healing in Myanmar is often intertwined with spiritual beliefs. Healing practices may involve rituals, prayers, and offerings to appease spirits and seek divine help for treating illnesses believed to have spiritual origins (Hlaing, 2020).

References

Chan, A. (2015). A glance at traditional medicine in Myanmar. Nyanmar insider. Retrieved from www.myanmarinsider.com/a-glance-at-traditional-medicine-in-myanmar/

Hlaing, M. M. (2020). Traditional healing practices in Myanmar: An overview. Myanmar Journal of Cultural Studies, 12(2), 34-45.

Ministry of Health and Sports. (2019). Traditional medicine in Myanmar: Historical overview and current practices. Government of Myanmar.

social inclusion and non-discrimination

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination are vital for the health of Burmese refugees in Australia. Social exclusion and discrimination can lead to chronic stress, which is linked to various health problems (Williams & Mohammed, 2009). Moreover, being excluded from social services can hinder access to necessary healthcare, worsening health disparities (Gonzalez et al., 2010).

In contrast, when Burmese refugees are supported in an inclusive environment in Australia, their mental and physical health improves. A sense of belonging and security helps reduce stress and enhances overall well-being (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018). Inclusive healthcare practices ensure timely and effective care, which is essential for managing chronic conditions and preventing disease (Castañeda et al., 2015).

References

Castañeda, H., Ruiz, J. M., & Williams, D. R. (2015). The social determinants of health among immigrant populations. International Journal of Health Services, 45(2), 276-296.

Gonzalez, M., Tarraf, W., Whitfield, K. E., & Casado, B. L. (2010). The role of social support in health and well-being among older Latinos. Journal of Aging and Health, 22(8), 1125-1138.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Social inclusion and its impact on health. Health and Human Services Report.

Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and health disparities. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20-30.

Reflection on Domain 1: Clinical Expert. Competency 1.1

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In clinical practice, for me, the most significant is to respond sensitively to each patient's unique background and social factors that affect their health. This means understanding and respecting their cultural, religious, and linguistic needs, as well as their personal health beliefs and preferences. For example, I have developed open-ended questions to learn about patients' backgrounds and adjust their care plans accordingly, such as accommodating dietary needs or integrating traditional practices. I have also improved ability to communicate and ensure clarity, especially for those with limited health literacy. This understanding could be essential to me in workplace because I could build trust, enhance patient satisfaction, and improve overall health outcomes.

References

Australian Government Department of Health. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds: Competency standards framework for clinicians. https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/51DBA3B2366D54C5CA2584000082C0CB/$File/Culturally%20Responsive%20Clinical%20Practice_2019.pdf

Common health issues of Burmese refugees

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When Burmese refugees arrive in Australia, they often face health issues, with tuberculosis (TB) being one of the most common(Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2018). TB is more common in Burma than in Australia, partly due to poor living conditions in refugee camps. This bacterial infection mainly affects the lungs but can also harm other body parts. Early detection and treatment are vital to control TB(WHO, 2020). A common treatment is DOTS, where healthcare providers monitor patients taking antibiotics for six months to ensure they follow the treatment correctly. This approach helps prevent drug resistance and ensures better health outcomes(Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2018).

References

Australian Government Department of Health. (2018). Australian refugee health practice guide. Retrieved from https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis/

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Tuberculosis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis

Burmese food

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References

The Karen people: culture, faith and history [Internet]. Published by the Karen Buddhist Dhamma Dhutta Foundation © 2010, 2011 [cited 22-07-15]. Available from http://www.karen.org.au/docs/Karen_people_booklet.pdf