Can a space become a place? What leads to this transformation?Viewing U Pein Bridge as 'space' and 'place'
The hermeneutic study of space explores space as a symbolic medium recognises that space and space language convey a culture’s meanings about the immediate world, while place carries with it sentiments of attachment and identity that emerge out of lived experience. (Pauline Mckenzie Aucion, 2017).
I will explore how the space of U Pein bridge in Amarapura Township, Mandalay City, Myanmar, becomes a place.
Who am I?
I am Thet-pyauk-taing, the pole that was erected in the memory of Taunghthaman
Bo Bo Gy, the guardian spirit, who died in the middle of the Taunghtaman Inn/ lake after being bit by a tiger.
U Pein Bridge: Space or Place
U Pein as memory
This Bridge is a crossing patch on the Taungthaman Lake. Even though I don’t understand very much about this bridge, I heard from some people that this bridge is in the list of world’s heritage. At first, I thought this bridge was constructed by the order of Myanmar people. Later, the elders in my family told that Maung Pein was not Myanmar citizen. He was an Indian servant.
Whose place?
Local
people who are mobile vendors, beggars, souvenir sellers depend on this bridge
for their survival. On the bridge, some sell local products like mango salad
while beggars beg for
money or handouts. So, this bridge is place
for them to find money for their livelihood.
Idea of reciprocity Social interactions and relations
If
a vendor is unable to conduct his or her business for any reasons (illness of children
etc), then the neighbouring vendor help by also selling former’s goods.
Social bonds and U Pein Bridge
I used to spend all day by selling the snack on the bridge. I rarely spent the time with my family. So, the owners of the neighbouring shops on this bridge are like family members. We care each other. Sometimes, when MCDC (Mandalay City Development Committee) officials come to this place to arrest street vendors, we inform each other so that we hide and not lose work.
U Pein: A bridge between space, place, belief and people
This place is under the protection of Taungthaman Bo Bo Gyi, the guardian spirit of Taungthaman lake. He was a chief of Taungthaman about 350 years ago. We believe that even if we walk on the bridge at night and just call out his name in our mind, he will protect us. Sometimes, we can hear his steps and the sound of his walking stick. No one is harmed on this bridge except for the people who disrespect the community.
Once upon a time, there were a guy who got really drunk and he climbed at the top of Thet-pyauk-tine, the pole erected as a memorial to the guardian spirit. The man challenged someone and jumped into the water and he died. He was punished for what he shouldn’t have done.
What of the tourists?
We did some city tour in Mandalay but this place is really a famous one in Mandalay. For me, I especially, like walking on this bridge although it is a bit windy. Further, I’m also interested how the whole bridge is constructed by wood. It’s wonderful.
U Pein: Bridge between knowledge and learning
I observed other interesting exchanges, which I think transform the space of U Pein bridge into a place, which is meaningful.
I saw Burmese students hesitantly speak to the foreigners in order to practice their English language skills with the native speakers, as encouraged by their language teachers.
One vendor shared, "at first, foreigners are sometime serious but later, they are friendly with us on the Bridge through mutual learning. Even when I’m nervous to speak in English, they encourage us".
More exchange
Sometimes, craft sellers try to communicate with tourist. The vendors teach the tourists the correct pronunciation or even words of greetings like ‘Mingalar Par’, ‘Kyay Zuu Par’ to tourists in return.
On one day when I visited U Pein Bridge, I taught a foreigner how to pronounce ‘Mingalar Par’.
Who Am I?
I am Khin Khin Nyein, First Year Student of Anthropology Department, University of Mandalay.
I had read about space and place. According to text quoted in the beginning, space is a medium that conveys cultural meanings about the world whilst place has attachments and identity. I understood this concept on our field visit to U-Pein Bridge, where I spoke to the locals and foreigners. My conversations with my classmates also helped. People, local and foreigners, have different types of attachments with the bridge, the surrounding area and memories connected with it. I learnt that U Pein Bridge is simply not a space and a landmark of Mandalay. It is more than a space where the interactions and activities take place. It is a place. From this field trip to U Peing Bridge, I learnt the concepts of space and place but also concept words and interactions which help in making a place.
What transforms a space into a place? ...
The fortune teller
The making of a place - U Pein Bridge, shoppers, shopkeepers, commuters, students, foreigners, memories, exchanges, relationships, legends, beliefs and more.
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Viewing U Pein Bridge as 'space' and 'place'
Who am I?
U Pein as memory
Whose place?
Social interactions and relations
Social bonds and U Pein Bridge
U Pein: A bridge between space, place, belief and people
What of the tourists?
U Pein: Bridge between knowledge and learning
More exchange
Who Am I?
