Myanmar-Thai Literary Tradition: Commonalities and Wealth

Myanmar-Thai Literary Tradition: Commonalities and Wealth

Janpha Thadphoothon

Literature is an expression of human civilization through writing. The invention of writing itself marked the birth of human civilization. You would agree with me that traditionally, any written work, whether prose or verse, considered artistic or intellectual, is deemed a literary work. It is commonly believed that literary works are records of great minds. We all know that these works enable us to ask questions and seek answers to many important questions. In my opinion, literature is not just a reflection of society but also a powerful tool for shaping thoughts, inspiring change, and preserving the essence of human experience across generations.

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You would agree with me that, as neighbors, Myanmar and Thailand share many things in common: geographies, historical realities, values, and beliefs. You would agree with me that in their literary works, one noticeable commonality is the Indic influence through Buddhism and Hinduism. We all know that this influence is manifested through their literary works, traditions, art, and festivals. It is commonly believed that these shared cultural elements create a deep and enduring connection between the two nations. In my opinion, the rich tapestry of Indic influence in Myanmar and Thailand not only highlights their historical bonds but also enriches their cultural landscapes, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

Take Ramayana, for example. Both Myanmar and Thai have been influenced by the Indic culture, probably before their acceptance of Buddhism as the main faith. Now, each has its own version of this Indian epic. In Myanmar, it is known as Yama Zatsaw; whereas, in Thailand, it is called Rammakien. History has recorded that Myanmar’s Ramayana and the Thai one are related through close contacts in bygone years.

Another Indic influence is the literature related to Buddhism. Apart from the Tripitaka, the Jataka tales have been read and studied by both Thailand and Myanmar. Moral lessons and art emerging from the tales are countless. The tales represent the influence of Buddhism, in addition to the story about the life of Lord Buddha.

There are, broadly speaking, two main approaches to literature: the grand narratives (Ramayana) and the folktales (The Lazy Cow). Both should be embraced and appreciated. As a matter of fact, Thailand and Myanmar are countries with a diverse ethnic minorities and nationalities. They, too, have stories to tell, their folktales, legends, and myths. This should be viewed as an asset of rich intellectual wealth. This vast area of wealth awaits anyone, researchers and scholars alike, to explore, investigate, and create meaningful dialogs. 

The overarching aim of the call for more intellectual engagement in the area of literature should not be viewed as an attempt to reinvent one identity or to create another myth, but an attempt to seek the strength and wisdom from within. This might as well be an antidote to the influx of information and external elements swaying the citizens’ cultural identity and ways of life. Upon reflection, literary dialogs and forums may shed new lights or solutions to the social and environmental problems and challenges facing by all mankind.

About Janpha Thadphoothon

Janpha Thadphoothon teaches at English Department, Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok, Thailand. He got BA in Education from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. He obtained his MA from Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand and Ed.D. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from University of Canberra, Australia.