3 November
The Information and Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Information organized a paper reading session on translation from Myanmar into English yesterday at the Printing and Publishing Department of the ministry on Theinbyu Road in Yangon.
The paper reading session was attended by Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint, Union Minister for Education Dr. Myo Thein Gyi, officials from the Ministry of Information, subject-matter experts interested in translation, literati, and interested persons.
In his opening address, Union Minister Dr Pe Myint stressed the importance of translation in literature, calling the Myazedi stone inscription, which was inscribed in four languages during the Bagan period, as the beginning of Myanmar literature.
To know the world and to be known by the world, Myanmar must encourage the translation of texts, said the Union Minister.
World literature, including non-fiction, needs to be translated into the Myanmar language so that Myanmar can get to know about the world, he added.
“To make Myanmar known to the world, works in Myanmar language have to be translated into English and other international languages. It can be said that the mission is possible under the present circumstances,” he added.
“If Myanmar knows about the world, the country and its people will be well-informed. Around the world, who is doing what, what is being discovered, and what is being discussed would also be known,” he said.
“English-to-Myanmar translations, translations of world literature into Myanmar need to be undertaken. By doing so, the world’s actions could be known quickly, and it can also assist in the development of the country,” said the minister.
“To make the world know Myanmar and to promote the dignity of Myanmar, we need to make efforts for making the world learn about the affairs of Myanmar. To achieve this, it is necessary to translate Myanmar texts into English. If Myanmar’s affairs are known to the world, the dignity of Myanmar will rise,” said the Union Minister.
The paper reading session was part of efforts to make the world learn about and understand Myanmar, he said, adding that it is conceivable that Myanmar would gain international prestige when its culture and literature are known by others.
Afterwards, Union Minister Dr. Myo Thein Gyi delivered an address and said that translation projects are not being undertaken only now, and the practice was encouraged years ago.
“It is also a very beneficial industry. The Department of Ethnic Languages of the Ministry of Education is compiling English-Myanmar and Myanmar-English dictionaries,” the Union Minister said.
“The dictionaries will benefit students and teachers. The ministry is encouraging not only Myanmar language, but also other ethnic languages,” he added.
In the morning, Dr Khin Aye ( Mg Khin Min- Danubyu) and Dr Kyaw Win presided over the paper reading session, and the resource persons Dr Aung Gyi read his paper on “Mae Zar Taung Chay Yatu” translation and Dr Zaw Tun on his award winning work of “ The Sweet Honey Drop.”
After the morning session, Union Minister Dr Pe Myint presented gifts to Dr. Khin Aye ( Mg Khin Min- Da Nu Phyu)and Dr Kyaw Win who presided over the session, and resource persons Dr Aung Gyi and Dr Zaw Tun.
The paper reading session continued today.
MNA (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)
