Burma Culture Guide : Rohingya People

From Volunteer Culture Guide                                                                                                                                    BURMA: THE ROHINGYA

  In the following pages, you will find information regarding the history of the country that your refugee partner once called home. We recognize that it is impossible to encompass the whole story of the Rohingya of Burma in 8 short pages, nor is it our story to completely tell, but we hope that you will find this a good introduction and primer as you begin to develop a relationship with your new friend. Don’t forget to ask questions, but respect boundaries as he or she processes a transition that is often fraught with trauma.

Please note: We have done our best to present the history and cultural tips for Burma and the Rohingya people in an unbiased manner. You may find different sources with alternate perspectives, but know this is our best effort at providing impartial information.

Myanmar and Burma are two names that describe the same country. In 1989, the country’s State Peace and Development Council changed the name from Burma, its colonized name, to Myanmar. The United States and much of the rest of the world do not recognize the name Myanmar because of its oppressive implications for the people of Burma.