There are eight parts of speech in the English language.
(1) Noun
A noun is a name of a person, place, thing, or concept.
It may be classified as (a) Proper noun (b) Common noun (c) Collective noun (d) Abstract noun.
(2) Verb
A verb usually describes an action or a process.
It may be classified as (a) Transitive verb (b) Intransitive verb.
(3) Pronoun
A pronoun stands for a noun. Associated with a pronoun is person and number.
When we speak, the first person is the one who speaks. The second person is the one being spoken two. The third person is some other being referenced.
Number may be Singular or Plural. If there is only one person, we say it is singular. If there is more than one, we say it is plural. In English, the term “You” may be singular or plural.
(4) Adjective
It is a Modifier
An Adjective usually modifies a Noun or Pronoun.
(5) Adverb
It is a Modifier
An Adverb usually modifies a Verb.
(6) Conjunction
It is a Connector
A Conjunction (such as And or But) connects two parts of a Sentence
(7) Preposition
It is a Connector
A Preposition adds information such as position (e.g. in, on, upon, under) and time (e.g. before, after).
(8) Expression of Mood
There are words to express Mood (e.g. surprise).
They are called Exclamation or an Interjection.
Techniques
In a Grammar class, we had to learn two techniques :
Synthesis combining the parts of speech
Analysis breaking down into the parts of speech.
Need for Grammar
Many native speakers read and write fluently without caring much for grammar.
Knowledge of grammar is needed in
Formal Languages
Automata Theory
Compilers
Translation
Natural Language Understanding and Processing
Burmese
In middle school, we had to study မြန်မာသဒ္ဒါ based on the text by Saya U Pe Maung Tin.
Parts of Speech
နာမ် — noun
ကြိယာ — verb
နာမ်စား — pronoun
နာမဝိသေသန — adjective
ကြိယာဝိသေသန — adverb
သမ္ဗန္ဒ။ — conjunction
ဝိဘတ် — preposition
အာမေဋိတ် — interjection
Pali
Parts of Speech
Pali has only four parts of speech.
Noun
Pronoun
Verb
Clitics (which are equivalent to conjunctions and interjections).
Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
In November 1964, he was admitted as a top Student to RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology) along with Zaw Min, Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) and Cho Aye (GBNF).
Graduated in 1970 with BE (Bachelor of Engineering) with specialization in EC (Electrical Communications).
Moved to California, USA.
MSEE (Master of Science in Electrical Engineering) from Stanford University
MBA (Master in Business Administration) from Pepperdine University
Steeve 2
Experience
Worked in the Electronics Industry as IC (Integrated Circuit) Designer.
Per request from his younger sister Dr. Kay, he co-founded QTC and served as CEO (Chief Executive Officer). See Souvenir book for the Silver Jubilee of QTC.
QTC was acquired for a sizable sum. Became a Serial Entrepreneur & Philanthropist. Founded Eleok, Teehub & Kay Family Foundation.
Traveled to the Holy Places of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism & Islam to study Comparative Religion.
Visited prominent historic sites. Tried to trace his roots dating back ten or more generations.
Philanthropist
Founded CABA (Charitable Alliance of Burmese Associations). A notable CABA donation was to Disaster Relief Fund help the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma. Details can be found in the reports prepared by Benny Tan (M70) who served as a CABA administrator.
Established KFF (Kay Family Foundation) to support a wide range of support. KFF donated to Universities (Stanford, Harvard, UC Irvine …), Research Institutes and Libraries. KFF sponsored the visit of Myanmar Education Delegation to California. KFF provided a Matching Donation of $30000 for the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
He never forgot his roots. He wanted to show his appreciation for his schools, mentors, classmates and schoolmates.
KFF sponsored the publication of the “Centennial of Hwa Kyone School” and its Sequel.
He has donated $200000+ (via CABA and KFF) to RIT-related activities.
In October 2000, he donated $3000 to the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and became the first Golden Sponsor. He also sponsored the subsequent SPZPs (Saya Pu Zaw Pwes) at Singapore in December 2002, April 2007 and December 2010; at Yangon in December 2004, December 2012 and 2016.
In 2004, he set up the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas” with a pledge of $50000.
Final Years
In 2018, he was diagnosed with a medical problem. His doctors recommended to work from home and avoid long travels.
He requested Benny and me to organize a special Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on his behalf. For details, see my post about that event.
Started writing books to share his expertise and memories.
U Shwe Kyaw (BIT Volleyball Selected)Daw Khin Toe Myint
Graduated in 1963 with Mechanical Engineering
He and U Aye (M62) played together in Ramanya Hall volleyball team during 1959-60 season.
Represented BIT and RU in Volleyball (along with U Aye M62)
Joined the Air Force and became a Pilot.
He was Air Force Captain (Officiating Major) when he perished in a plane crash.
Survived by Sayama Daw Khin Toe Myint (Zoology) and two children. Sayama is a dhamma friend. Her son U Thet Win Kyaw played the Drums at SPZP-2000.
U Shwe Zan Aung (SPHS63)
Std VIII B in SPHS
Matriculated from SPHS in 1963
Joined the Army and went to the front several times
His grandfather was afraid of losing another grandson prematurely. He requested SZA to leave the army and promised to provide financial support in exchange for peace of mind. His grandfather supported SZA’s family for a long time.
Finally joined a ship as a radio operator
Perished at sea when the ship sunk
Dr. Shwe Tun Kyaw
He and his spouse took early retirement from their medical practice in UK.
They volunteered as Assistant Teachers in several bi-lingual (Burmese and English) Goenka Center retreats.
He is a classmate of my younger sister. I met him at the house of Audrey Wong (C84), a volunteer for the Northern California Goenka Center.
Most have Cataracts removed from one or both eyes. A few had Full or Partial transplant of the Cornea. Some had Retina Tear repaired. Glaucoma and several other factors can cause impaired Vision.
Saya U Ba Toke played soccer and was active in the RU Sports Council. In his 70s and early 80s, Saya took weekly walks from his house to the Shwe Dagon pagoda. Aging gradually restricted Saya’s mobility, hearing and eye sight. Saya passed away on December 2, 2020 (the day following the RU Centennial), but a few days short of his Centennial Birthday.
When Saya U Moe Aung encountered problem with his knee during a trip to Upper Burma to attend Ah Hlu of a Khamee Khamet, he composed a poem on “Stationary & Movement” with philosophical musings about Life, Illness and Death. A surgery relieved Saya from the use of wheel chair, but as a high school goalkeeper he values Mobility, Agility & Strength.
Sayagadaw appreciated Saya U Moe Aung’s “Poem Gift” on her birthday.
Bagyee Myat Myo Myint gave “Pon Tu” of the then Marla Hall Thu as a birthday present for his beloved spouse.
Ko Aung Min (M69) used the term Vitamin F in an invitation to the 69er Annual Dinner and Entertainment.
Saya U Moe Aung wrote :
Actually, before suffering from knee pain, I had cataract removed from my left eye some 30 or so years back (couldn’t recall which year) and then from my right eye after a lapse of about 10 years. But, I was lucky, so to speak, that up till the present, haven’t yet encountered any problem whatsoever except the need to change the power lens for a better viewing focus.
U Aung Min (M69) wrote :
I had right eye cornea transplantation 19 years ago, but unsuccessful . Again cataract removal on left eye It’s OK up to now.
U Ohn Khine (M70) took me to the meeting of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
Relayed Steeve’s request for a special Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
Asked help to prepare material for the Gift package to be given at the PZP.
SPZP-2000 was recorded on a 3-hour tape. I had it converted to a set of two DVDs. U Win Htay & team copied the DVDs to be given to the sayas.
I was Chief Editor for the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for SPZP-2000. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) & Henry Lim (Alumnus, Editor of BAPS Newsletter) were Associate Editors. Maurice Chee (M75) was Publisher. U Win Htay & team printed copies of the Newsletter to be given to the sayas.
Female members of the Combined Intake (e.g. Mai Khin Nyunt) agreed to take care of preparing monetary gifts. Every saya and sayama will receive One Lakh Kyats. Selected sayagyis will receive Two Lakh Kyats.
Event
Speakers
U Hla Min & Benny spoke at the Special Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe hosted by Steeve
I was the key note speaker.
Benny spoke on behalf of the alumni.
U Win Mra spoke on behalf of the sayas and sayamas.
Attendees
Reserve tables had to be used to accommodate the large number of attendees
In addition to those from the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65, those who had volunteered for the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas” were also invited
Key Note Address
Welcome to this gathering!
Today is a special gathering organized by the 64/65 intakes and sponsored by the “Steeve and Helen Kay Saya Health Fund”.
Today’s event complements last month’s 64/65 intake held an Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe and tomorrow’s seventh RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
In addition to paying our respect to the sayas and sayamas, today we would also like to present to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70) an appreciation award for his continued support.
Although Steeve migrated to the US in 1971 to pursue his dreams, he never forgot his roots, his alma mater and his friends.
Over the past 17 years, Steeve has made various contributions totaling $200,000.
Highlights of those contributions are as follows:
SPZP-2000
As you recall, the first ever RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the year 2000.
It was started by a group of RIT students in San Francisco, among them Ko Benny Tan and me.
I remember when I sent out the invitation flyers, we received a $1,000 check from Ko Thaung Sein.
Later, he donated $3,000 as seed money to assist with fundraising efforts.
Throughout the years, Steeve has supported multiple world-wide reunions and SPZP as a Golden Sponsor.
Health Care Fund
In June 2005, Steeve set-up a $50,000 Saya Health Care Fund administered by U Win Khaing of MES and his administrative committee.
Many saya/sayamas attending today have benefited from that fund.
Steeve also helped to set-up a second fund, administered by the 64/65 intakes, as a supplemental retirement fund for the sayas and sayamas.
MoST Delegation to the US
In May 2013, Kay Family Foundation, a philanthropic foundation set-up by Steeve Kay, sponsored the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) delegation to visit Centers of Excellence in California.
The delegation was headed by the late Dr. Ko Ko Oo and Professor Nyi Hla Nge.
Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles in 2015
Last year, in October 2015, Steeve Kay donated $30,000 in matched funds to hold the RIT in Southern California, Los Angeles.
During the gathering, he sang a Burmese folk song ‘Shwe Me’ to express his feeling towards Myanmar, the land where he spent his youth growing up.
Health Concerns
This year, Steeve Kay’s own health fell ill.
We wish him good health. Instead of attending the RIT Grad Reunion himself, he asked Ko Benny to hold a gathering and Pu Zwe Pwe this year.
Ko Benny consulted with his classmates and decided that December 28, 2016 – the day preceding the Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe – seemed to be the right time.
The classmates, in turn, would like to honor their life-long friend and sponsor of numerous RIT-related activities.
The history of Steeve and his philanthropic work should be recorded and preserved for posterity.
Every saya and sayama will be presented with a gift package from Steeve.
Gift Package
Short biography of Steeve
Commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Two-set DVD of SPZP-2000
CD of photos and articles from SPZP and RIT-related activities
Monetary gift for each saya and sayama
Event in Three Parts
Today’s event covers three parts:
Paying respect to the sayas and sayamas who taught the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
Mini-gathering of the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
Appreciation award to be presented to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve)
Ko Khin Maung Lay will be the emcee.
Selected sayas and alumni will recall Steeve’s work and their importance and impact to the RIT community.
2015 Reunion in Los AngelesHla Min and Benny
Updates
Steeve had remission for some time.
He finally passed away.
He did not complete writing his experiences and thoughts.
Visiting Professor, Osaka University, Japan Collaborated with Professor Harada (Chit Mann Nwe)
Daw Khin Saw Mu
Khit San Kabyar
Statuette in “Bagyi Aung Nyar De” (short story)
Siblings : ICS U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Myint, U Myint Thein, Dr. Htin Aung, Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Tin Saw Mu
Spouse : ICS U Ba Tint
Children : Daw Khin Saw Tint, U Nay Oke Tint
TEDxTalk
Two Poets and their Legacy on Kabyar
Main Characters from “Bagyi Aung Nyar De” : ICS U Tin Tut (Bagyi Aung), Minthuwun (Maung Chit), Daw Khin Saw Mu (Statuette), ICS U Ba Tint (Merchant / Buyer of Statuette)
All four have passed away
It’s time to debunk the myth about “Bagyi Aung”. Many thought that he was Dr. Htin Aung.
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70) did not forget his roots.
He is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs starting with SPZP-2000.
He donated US$50,0000 and established the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas” to provide services for Sayas such as Funeral expenses, Hospital expenses and Medical check up.
The implementation was supported by a committee of sayas (e.g U Tun Shwe) and selected alumni (e.g U Win Khaing).
The balance of the fund was transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
He set up Charitable Alliance of Burmese Americans (CABA). CABA helped rebuild the houses ravaged by Cyclone Nargis.
He also established the Kay Family Foundation (KFF). KFF hosted a Myanmar Education Delegation to visit prestigious Universities and Research Institutions in California. KFF provided a Matching Fund of $30000 for the RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles in 2015. The Main event was held at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel.
U Khin Maung Tun Health Care Fund
U Khin Maung Tun (Right)
U Khin Maung Tun (T78) & family established a Health Care Fund to provide Vision Care for eligible sayas.
The balance of the fund was transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Pon Tu of Saya U Moe Aung
The idea of SDYF was discussed before, during and after SPZP-2012. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) proposed the idea. He is a Patron of SDYF.
U Khin Maung Tun donated K1500 Lakhs (or more) to SDYF and related causes. He served as President and hosted monthly lunch meetings.
SDYF has several objectives. They include helping engineering sayas and students — past, present and future, establishing “Saya Geha”, provide financial assistance for SPZPs, Shwe YaDu Celebrations and sellected Projects (e.g. YTU Library Modernization Project).
SDYF has provided financial support for eligible sayas. It had enhanced the programs that were implemented by the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund” and “U Khin Maung Tun’s family Health Care Fund”.
Eligibility rules and financial support
The rules may change over time (based on resources).
Eligible sayas who are hospitalized are provided K4 lakhs.
Eligible sayas who need to visit medical clinics frequently are considered on a case-by-case basis for financial assistance.
Eligible sayas are provided Annual Medical Checkup. The facilitators (e.g May Nge and group) provide transportation and lunch.
Eligible sayas are provided Vision Checkup and followup treatment (e.g. cataract operation).
Sayas who require medical treatment and long term care are considered on a case-by-case basis for financial assistance. Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) and Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68, GBNF) were voted at the SDYF meetings for annual financial assistance.
Sample Recipient
Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68) required medical treatment and long term care.
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF) decided in a meeting to provide annual financial assistance of K4 Lakhs to Saya.
The facilitators include U Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Saya U Soe Myint (Min83) and U Khin Maung Htwe (who also donated K20,000).
The total K420,000 was given to Sayagadaw Daw Wai Mon Ohn Maung on 16th October, 2018.
U Ohn Maung 1U Ohn Maung 2U Ohn Maung 3
Other Health Care Funds
U Aung Min, Daw Myint Myint …
69er HCF (Maintained by U Aung Min and team) Donors : Daw Myint Myint, Ivan Lee, U Sein Myint …
EE69er HCF (Maintained by U Shwe and team) Donors : U Sein Myint …
Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65 HCF Donors : Steeve Kay …
HlaMin 