Language Research

According to linguists, Burmese is the official language of Myanmar, although government officials often call it the Myanmar language. It is spoken by a majority of the population, including non-indigenous ethnic minorities. About 15% of the population speaks Shan and Karen. English is spoken among the educated, and the country contains a sizable number of Chinese speakers.

Education is free and compulsory for children 5 to 10 years of age. Secondary education consists of four years at middle or vocational school and additional two years at high school. Middle and vocational schools are free and high schools are not. Secondary schools enroll 35% of the secondary school-age population. Instruction in primary and secondary schools are in the Burmese language. English is the second language taught in many secondary schools.

Radio Myanmar (RM) broadcasts in Myanmar (Burmese), English and eight national languages.