MYANMAR

Rohingya / Rohingyalish

We received several contributitons relating to Rohingya language and expression.

Words associated with statelessness

Wótón Sàrà / Dec sàrà / Tówr Sàrà

The contributor translates these in relation to being:

“Stateless / Homeless / Country-less / Landless.”

Gór Sàrà / Bàshà

These expressions were shared in connection with experiences of displacement and homelessness.

Another contributor identifies:

Muluk-hara

“Lost country/home.”

Desh-hara

“Without a country” / “countryless.”

These expressions describe the loss of homeland, belonging, recognition and connection to a state.

How statelessness is understood

The contribution describes statelessness as extending beyond citizenship documentation. It encompasses being without recognition, rights or protection, alongside restrictions affecting identity, education, expression, movement and the ability to live safely in one's homeland.

The contributor describes an existence “between places, not fully accepted anywhere.”

Expressions of belonging

Desh nai, thikana nai

“No country, no address.”

Ghoror manus, ghor nai

“A person of a home, but without a home.”

The contributor believes Muluk-hara captures the loss of homeland but only somewhat captures statelessness, because the experience additionally encompasses the loss of legal identity, rights, recognition and protection.