Building Equality and Social Cohesion in Myanmar: Plurilingualism as a Platform for Establishing Peace Culture

Abstract

Against the backdrop of democratic movements, globalization, and mounting external pressures, the military junta had to change the political landscape in Myanmar. Ethnicity as well as religion remain the key issues for peaceful transition since these divisions reinforce and perpetuate inequality, discrimination, and human insecurity. Without lasting civic harmony, peace will be never in the hands of the people. This study explores the possibilities of plurilingualism, a fundamental concept in European language education policy, for promoting equality and social cohesion in Myanmar’s divided society. The current situation is examined in light of the country’s history of ethnic and religious conflict, before the literature concerning peacebuilding, rectifying inequality, and plurilingualism is reviewed to formulate a conceptual framework for social transformation. The possibility of plurilingual education is discussed, in the hope that such an attempt might lay a foundation for pluralist democracy and sustainable peace, through the realization of a harmonized Myanmar.