Brunei, Myanmar and Thailanders

Brunei

a small country in Southeast Asia located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo, near Malaysia.

January 1, 1984

Brunei gained independence on ____

Islamic Sultanate

The form of government in Brunei ruled by a Sultan under Islamic principles.

Majapahit Empire

A Hindu empire based in Java that once influenced Brunei.

Islam

The official religion of Brunei.

Brunei Malay

The national language spoken in Brunei.

Standard Malay

The official language of Brunei.

Arabic

The language of the Quran used by Islamic scholars and Muslims.

English

Widely used in business, government, and as a medium of instruction starting Year 4.

Language and Literature Bureau

Government body that promotes literature and publishes textbooks.

Sadak

A popular poetry form among school children in Brunei.

Syair Awang Semaun

A famous traditional poem about a Brunei cultural hero and warrior.

Malay Culture

The main cultural influence reflected in Brunei’s language, architecture, ceremonies, and customs.

Myanmar

A Southeast Asian country located north of Thailand.

Burmese Language

The official language and mother tongue of the Bamar people in Myanmar.

Burmese Script

A writing system made up of circular and semicircular letters derived from the Mon script.

Mon Language

A recognized indigenous language in Myanmar and Thailand.

Palm Leaf Manuscripts

Dried palm leaves used as early writing materials in Southeast Asia and India.

Thailand

A Southeast Asian country whose official language is Thai.

Thai Language

The official language of Thailand; written without spaces between words.

English

Considered a second language and used in tourist areas, maps, and transport announcements.

Wai

The traditional Thai greeting performed by pressing hands together and bowing slightly.

Krap

A polite particle used by male speakers in Thailand.

Ka

A polite particle used by female speakers in Thailand.

Ramakien

Thailand’s national epic based on the Indian epic Ramayana.

Ramayana

An ancient Indian epic that influenced Thai literature.

Tosakanth

The demon king in Ramakien who abducted Queen Sida.

Queen Sida

The wife of King Rama in Ramakien.

Sunthorn Phu

A famous Thai poet known for romantic and adventure poetry.

Phra Aphai Mani

A romantic adventure story written by Sunthorn Phu.

Nirats

Travel poems in Thai literature often performed orally with musical accompaniment.

Thai Literature

Literary works heavily influenced by Indian culture, often focusing on epics, love stories, and Buddhist themes.