Southeast Asia: Laos and Myanmar

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Laos and Myanmar, including cultural practices, historical facts, and significant landmarks.

1. Nop

A prayer-like gesture used as a greeting in Laos.

2. Sabai di

A phrase in Laos that means 'Good Health'.

3. Pha That Luang

A symbol of Buddhism and Lao sovereignty, depicted on the national emblem of Laos.

4. Landlocked country

A country with no direct access to the sea; Laos is such a country located in Southeast Asia.

5. Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP)

The only legal political party in Laos.

6. Politburo

The principal policy-making committee of a communist party, consisting of 11 members in Laos.

7. Central Committee

A committee that consists of 50 members in the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

8. Phra Lak Phra Lam

The national epic of Laos featuring main characters Phra Lak and Phra Lam.

9. Boun Bang Fai

Also known as the Rock Festival, it marks the 6th month of the lunar calendar in Laos.

10. Satsana Phi

A term for Lao beliefs in spirits associated with nature, buildings, and territories.

11. Khone Phapheng Falls

The largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, located on the Mekong River in Laos.

12. Luang Prabang

Former capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cultural significance.

13. Plain of Jars

An archaeological site in Laos where large stone jars are found, each believed to hold a person.

14. Phou Bia

The highest point in Laos, closed to tourists due to unexploded ammunition.

15. Moo link

A term for acquaintances or just friends in Laos.

16. Moo Tai

A term for close friends or friends to die for in Laos.

17. First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge

A bridge over the Mekong River connecting Thailand and Laos.

18. Myanmar

The name of the country formerly known as Burma, prohibiting the use of its former name.

19. Burmans

The ethnic majority in Myanmar.

20. Anglo-Burmese Wars

Three wars that led to Myanmar becoming a British colony: fought in 1825, 1852, and 1885.

21. Sovereign Independent State

The status regained by Myanmar on January 4, 1948.

22. Burmese script

Also known as round script; developed from the Mon script and used in Myanmar.

23. Bagan

The first imperial capital of Myanmar, significant for Theravada Buddhism.

24. Green Peawolf

One of the national animals of Burma, symbolizing happiness and unity.

25. The Peacock

A symbol associated with Buddhism and the state of Burma.

26. Shwedagon Pagoda

Referred to as 'The Crown of Burma'; a significant architectural landmark.

27. White Elephant

A revered symbol in Myanmar and Theravada culture, important in Buddhist cosmology.

28. Chinthe

Lion-like mythical creatures revered in Myanmar, used as a symbol by the military government.

29. Monywa Buddha

The largest reclining Buddha statue in the world, located in Myanmar.

30. Typhoon Nargis

A devastating typhoon that struck Myanmar in May 2008, resulting in over 20,000 deaths.

31. International System of Units (SI)

System of weights and measures not adopted by Burma as their official system.

32. Land of Golden Pagodas

Common reference for Myanmar due to its numerous pagodas and religious structures.

33. Ethnic diversity in Myanmar

Myanmar is said to have the richest ethnic diversity in Asia, with over 100 ethnic groups.

34. Padaung Tribe

A tribe in Myanmar known for the neck rings worn by women to elongate their necks.

35. Aung San Suu Kyi

A prominent figure in Myanmar known for her nonviolent movement towards democracy and human