Seen Comprehension-02 Alim (A Myanmar family)

A Myanmar family

Let me first introduce my beautiful country to you. It is in south-east Asia, a neighbour of yours, in fact. We gained independence from Britain in 1948. In 1989, the name of our country was changed from Burma to Myanmar, the traditional name. Almost all of us speak the Myanmar language. There are a number of tribal language, too. Many of us speask English as well. We are mainly Buddhists but don't be surprised to hear that I also have Christian, Hindu and Muslim friends. The national dress, for both men and women, is the longyi, a long tightly wrapped skirt worn from the waist to the ankles. Women wear blouses and longyis which are of  bright colours and patterns. Men wear shirts and longyis with checks and patterns. You can fifferentiate whether the longyis are for women or men from their patterns and designs. I live in our capital, Yangoon, which was formerly known as Rangoom. It is famous for its many pagodas which are the Buddhist prayer houses. Like most city dwellers, we live in a concrete house. My father works for the Government. My uncles from both my parents' side live in villages and work on farmlands. We have close ties with them and visit them during the holidays.

I'm proud to let you know that women in my country have more rights than many other Asian women. In most families, the mother manages the finances and runs the household.