Fonds Denise Bernot, birman, 1974, bande 045, face A

Recording speed is too fast, and difficult to understand. Apparently, the recording consists of a conversation between ox carts drivers (?) (from the beginning until 16.40 min.) (from 17 min. on) There is a Burmese harp playing in the background; then a man pinches certain strings of the instrument and pronounces the name of each chord (apparently in Karen language?); then he plays a tune (until 19.50 min.), and sings a song accompanied by the harp and instruments "si" (bell) and "wa"(wooden clappers) (24.14 min.) The song titles are announced in Burmese language. (from 26 min. on) An old man, named Yay Laik Lawke, tells a story mixing Burmese language and, apparently, Karen language. The man, interviewed by Denise Bernot and a Burmese speaker, tells them that he lives in Kawtar village (in Karen State). Then he speaks in Karen language (to be confirmed) (from 30.50 min.).

The beginning of the recording is not understandable. From minute 17 on, a man plays the harp, pronounces the name of each chord in Karen language, and then sings songs. Afterwards, an old Karen man tells a story mixing Burmese and Karen languages (Karen language to be confirmed).