Article: On Hidden Languages in Myanmar
‘His name is Saw Myint Zaw. He is from Karen State in Eastern Burma. He writes in the Sgaw language. You probably have never heard of him. I hadnt either until a few months ago. Yet he offers a symbol of what we dont know about Burmese literature. A literature that belongs to 40% of Burmas people and yet is barely read or recognised within their own borders. A literature that has been systemically repressed by successive governments in an attempt to Burmanise the 135 ethnic groups in Burma. A literature without translation.’
Nearly forgot about this. My article for Pen Atlas on Myanmar translation and ethnic literature associations.
http://www.englishpen.org/the-hidden-languages-of-burma/