AS the world becomes increasingly integrated through the globalisation of culture, economics and technology, the preservation of tradition has become a common concern for many countries in Asia and elsewhere in the world.

Much of this cross-fertilisation is the result of the rapid proliferation of communication and information technologies, as well as an increase in affluence and an expansion of transportation technologies that have led to the growth of tourism.

Tourism is a particularly tricky subject, since many countries are trying to increase visitation by foreigners as a means to generate revenue and show off their culture, and at the same time are concerned with limiting the influence of these same foreigners on the very culture that is helping to draw tourists in the first place.

Myanmar is no exception to those challenges, but it remains a country where large numbers of people prefer wearing traditional dress and strive to maintain traditional beliefs and customs.

In the face of worries about alien influences, however, some scholars say that historically, Myanmar people have not hesitated to accept changes or adopt new customs that were suitable to their culture.

Adaptability has long been the strength of Myanmar people, who have managed to adjust to foreign cultural influences throughout the country’s long history, said Dr Than Tun, a veteran historian and a retired professor from Mandalay University.

One important example cited by Dr Than Tun was the introduction of Buddhism to the country thousands of years ago, which was accepted domestically as a positive influence.

However, although the people of Myanmar became devoted to Buddhism, many also maintained the tradition of spirit worship that had been handed down by their ancestors, Dr Than Tun said.

For the majority of Myanmar’s population, Buddhism remains the centre of individual life, while the monastery is the pillar of the community structure, especially in villages.

Although industrialisation has helped change the way Myanmar people think, their way of practising Buddhism remains unchanged, Dr Than Tun said.

Foreign influences have also come from Indian and Chinese cultures, which helped shape ancient Myanmar ideas about art, architecture and fashion.

Under British colonial rule many Myanmar students pursued British education and learned British customs, but at the same time remained dedicated Myanmar patriots, Dr Than Tun said.

But there are contradictions among different cultures that need to be negotiated, he said.

Dr Than Tun said shoes caused problems during British occupation, the result of cultural differences.

Myanmar people removed their shoes while in the presence of kings and other royalty, and when they entered pagodas, monasteries and other holy places.

But the British, who came from a colder country, were accustomed to wearing shoes everywhere they went.

On the other hand, Myanmar customs dictated that men wore gaung baung (traditional headwear) at important ceremonies, while the British believed that removing their hats was a way to show respect to others.

In an effort to temper the impact of contemporary foreign influences on Myanmar culture, the Ministry of Culture has introduced a set of coursework at the University of Culture campuses in Yangon and Mandalay focusing on promoting good morals and attitudes among young people, said an official from the ministry.

“Owing to globalisation and the strong impact of media, young people are exposed to the outside world at the click of a computer mouse, and it is important they pick up only good things,” the official said.

The official also said it was important to protect not only intangible cultural assets – such as customs and beliefs – but also tangible assets – like historical artefacts – from damage and loss.

Towards this end the ministry has opened a number of cultural museums throughout Myanmar, including the National Museum and Bogyoke Aung San Museum in Yangon, that house important objects as a means to showcase the history of Myanmar and its people.

Other cultural museums are maintained throughout Myanmar, including in Myitkyina in Kachin State, Loikaw in Kaya State, Pha-an in Kayin State, Haka in Chin State, Sittway in Rakhine State, Taunggyi in Shan State, Mawlamyaing in Mon State and Mandalay in Mandalay Division.

However, the ministry official said people in Myanmar have not yet developed an appreciation of cultural museums as places where invaluable objects and information that illustrate the history of the country were collected.

“We are still trying to convince people to appreciate our ancient artefacts, which tell the stories of our ancestors,” she said.