Talk — Words

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on February 1, 2021

• Definitions and Usage of words may change with time.
• Computer
  Early days : One who computes
  e.g. the six females who worked on ENIAC
  Later : Machine which can process data / information …
• Compiler
  Early days : One who compiles
  e.g. historical records
  Later : Software to translate a programming language into machine language
• Bit
  Early days : small piece
  e.g. drill bit
  Later : Binary digit
• Confusion in the 1970s
  The book “Anatomy of a Compiler” was sent to the Institute of Medicine (instead of UCC or RU Library).
  The book “Compiler Construction of Digital Computers” was sent to the Public Works Department (instead of UCC or RU Library)
• March 27, 1945
  Early days : Taw Hlan Yay Nay (Resistance Day)
  to honor all those who fought for Independence
  Later : Tatmadaw Nay (Armed Forces Day)
• Taung Thu Le Tha Mar Nay (Peasant’s Day)
  Early days : January 1
  Later : March 2
• Lost in Translation
  Physician was translated as “Yupa Beda Pyinnya Shin” (Physicist)