The novel was written in English and modern American editions retain British spelling, punctuation, and usage. The text also contains Anglicized versions of several Burmese words or phrases, though they are always directly defined or defined by the circumstances in which they are used. Much of the novel's characterization is delivered in dialogue form. Much of the dialogue exchanged between minor character is virulently racist and sexist and the attitudes and beliefs of many English characters is shockingly hate-filled. The novel's language is well-crafted and professional, though it infrequently lacks the extensive polish which typifies the author's latter novels.