Language/Burmese/Culture/Visiting-a-Burmese-Home
Whether traveling or living in Burmese society, visiting a Burmese home offers a rich insight into the culture and traditions of the country. Hospitality is highly valued, and guests are often seen as blessings. However, there are certain customs and etiquette to be aware of to show respect and gratitude for your hosts. In this lesson, you will learn about the expectations when visiting a Burmese home, such as gift-giving, removing shoes, and dining etiquette.
After mastering this lesson, these related pages might interest you: Burmese New Year & Greetings and Politeness.
Bringing Gifts
Bringing a small gift when visiting a Burmese home is customary and is a way to show gratitude and respect for your hosts. It's best to bring something that is easy to manage and easy to share with others. Here are some common Burmese gifts that would be appreciated:
- Fresh fruit or flowers
- A box of sweets or chocolate
- A small souvenir from your home country
- A bottle of wine or spirits (if you know your hosts drink alcohol)
It's best to wrap your gift in colorful paper and include a small card with a thoughtful message.
Removing Shoes
In Burmese culture, it's customary to remove shoes before entering a home as a sign of respect and cleanliness. You will notice that shoes are often left outside the front door on a shelf or mat. Follow suit and remove your shoes before entering the home. If the host insists that you keep your shoes on, then it's most likely okay to do so.
Make sure to wear clean and presentable socks, as it's not polite to walk around the house with bare feet.
Dining Etiquette
Food is an integral part of Burmese culture, and sharing a meal is a way of showing hospitality and friendship. Therefore, dining etiquette is important to follow when visiting a Burmese home. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Wait to be invited to sit down at the table.
- Always use your right hand to pick up food or utensils.
- Leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate that you are full.
- Do not start eating until the host takes the first bite.
- Do not leave the table until the host invites you to do so.
- Offer to help with washing the dishes or cleaning up after the meal.
It's considered impolite to waste food or criticize the cooking. Be positive and appreciative of the meal and the hospitality shown to you.
Politeness
In Burmese culture, politeness and respect are highly valued. It's important to greet your hosts with a smile and be courteous in your language and actions. Here are some ways to show politeness when visiting a Burmese home:
- Address your host with a polite honorific term such as "maung" (for men) or "ma" (for women).
- Keep your tone of voice calm and respectful.
- Avoid touching or pointing with your feet, as it's considered impolite.
- Always thank your host for their hospitality.
- Offer a compliment about the home or something you particularly enjoyed about the visit.
Overall, it's essential to be kind, considerate, and humble when visiting a Burmese home. This will show your appreciation for Burmese culture and leave a great impression on your hosts.
Conclusion
Visiting a Burmese home offers a unique opportunity to experience Burmese culture and hospitality firsthand. By bringing a small gift, removing your shoes, following dining etiquette, and showing politeness, you will earn the respect and admiration of your hosts. Remember to be grateful and appreciative of the experience and always do your best to learn and understand more about the customs and traditions of the country.
Other Lessons
- Myanmar Timeline
- Burmese New Year
- Greetings and Politeness
- Other Important Festivals
- Communication Styles
Sources
- Burmese Refugee Health Profile | CDC
- Discover Burmese Culture in Fort Wayne, Indiana | Visit Fort Wayne