Written Task: The Usage of Burglish on Social Networks

who the victor of the debate is.

 

Written Task

Mike: Ever since the English language was introduced to Myanmar during the

colonial days, there has been a significant sign of increase in the number of

bilingual speakers rather than monolinguals in the country. But, numerous

students, especially those from international schools, have already lost their

fluency in their mother tongue and some can't even read or write in Burmese!

John: The illiteracy of the students in their own language, concerns only

those few at International schools. But, a majority of Burmese students study in

state schools where they are taught both languages. What is more, English

tends to be much more useful than Burmese. In fact, while Burmese is just a

vernacular, a language restricted to a minority of world’s population, English

turns out to be the world’s number one lingua franca, a language of globalization.

Mike: So, you are saying that just because English is the most commonly used

language, Burmese students need to learn it while abandoning their own language?

John: No. What I am implying is that there are certain benefits in learning

English, for example, it creates job opportunities since firms demand employees

who can interact with foreigners…and, as for students, English proves to be really

essential when they go abroad for their studies. But of course, to preserve the

mother language, Burmese should become one of the options for a second

language in International schools.

Mike: However, what you also need to consider is that the Internet has become a

necessity for every Burmese teenager. Facebook, Twitter, My Space, and

many other social networks have come to be an integral part of their lives.

Therefore, the language which they adopt while socializing in this massive, yet

intimate, community is having a major impact on their linguistic skills. What I

have discovered, to my dismay, is that young Burmese people have employed

code-switching to…  

John: Mike, code-switching is definitely not going to reduce their language

proficiency. In fact, according to Professor Jack Chambers of sociolinguists at the

University of Toronto, code-switching is disapproved of by some native English

speakers but not by language experts. Though some may find it embarrassing, in

reality, it is perfectly normal and linguistically fascinating. Moreover, code-

switching allows an individual to express emotions that cannot be conveyed as

well in English.

Mike: Don’t jump to conclusions, John. Yes, code-switching can be ‘linguistically

fascinating’ but, only to some extent. In this case, people have bastardized English

as well as Burmese by blending to create an Internet argot so-called ‘Burglish.’

John: Renovation is more probable rather than deformation and, 'Burglish' is not

an argot; it is a whole new language!

Mike: It is hardly a language…just a straggly form of communication derived

from English. Even if it is one, it’s corrupted! Look, how can you say that

using English phonetics to spell a Burmese word is proper language? Consider this

example, “Today nay kaung ye lar?” How can you prove that individuals’ English

and Burmese skill will improve by using 'Burglish' to even ask if someone is well?

Is this today's online fashion to use 'Burglish' in conversations? Or is it just some

sort of peer pressure that is pushing these youngsters to adopt this…this ridiculous

argot?

John: No! It is absolutely not a fashion; 'Burglish' is a medium of communication

between members of the Burmese online society. Communities arise from a group

of people that share the same customs, interests, traditions and most importantly,

language, in this case, 'Burglish'.

Mike: Now, here comes the peer pressure. So, in order to join this online Burmese

community, one must embrace this language, mustn’t one? Or else, one will be

disregarded as a member.

John: This is certainly not peer pressure. 'Burglish' just has some social influences

on people that, in turn...um…cause people to adopt it.

Mike: This is quite a joke! John, if being forced to take on the language in order to

socialize in this community of 'Burglish' users is not termed as peer pressure, what

other expression can you use? Now, let me tell you something about using

'Burglish'. It can become the sole culprit in ruining a person’s Burmese or English

skills because of its misshapen characteristic.

John: This hybrid language is actually a preservation of the Burmese language.

Haven’t you raised the concern of English dominating over Burmese at the

beginning of the debate, that, young learners may literally neglect their own

language?         

Mike: Yes, I did.

John: Well, 'Burglish' is the solution! By using 'Burglish', a person gets familiar

with the phonetics of their native language with the use of English letters...and

eventually, as he learns English in the future, he will find it easier...What I am

indicating is that a new language is born as a means of a stepping stone for those

craving to further explore both of the original languages. It’s a mutual benefit!

Mike: Be it advantageous or not, do people have the right to mold English into

strange shapes, deviated from the original?

John: Divergence? Why not? This is possible if English is transferred onto foreign

soil. Take other examples like Singlish, Hinglish and Chinglish. All these hybrid

languages stemmed from English and are accepted as lingua franca in certain

communities. The same goes for 'Burglish'. Oh and here’s the brutal truth. The

article, ‘English grows into strange shapes when transplanted into foreign soil,’

states that rather than regard English as a uniquely British invention to be

defended, the British should see themselves as just one of many shareholders in a

global asset. The reason is that English, itself, has been derived from numerous

other languages including Latin, Scandinavian and Norman-French.

Mike: Hmm…

John: So, my conclusion would be that adopting 'Burglish' is a clear evidence of

novelty and pliability, the resolution to the apprehension of English dominating

over Burmese in this day and age.

           

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