Armenian

Indo-European languages

Armenian is the language used by the 8-9 million Armenians in the Republic of Armenia and the world-wide Armenian Diaspora.

Based on etymological characteristics, Armenian is classified as an independent branch within the family of

Indo-European languages.

The origin of the Armenian language:It belongs to the Eastern group of the Indo-European language family and has a number of common points with the Slavic, Indo-Iranian and Baltic languages.

Many languages influenced Armenian:

Persian. Greek. French. Turkish.

Armenian Alphabet • until the beginning of the 5th century, they did not have their own alphabet.

Reasons for inventing the alphabet • Partition of Armenia• Preserve Christianity.

Armenian Alphabet • The alphabet was created 405 A.D.

• By Mesrop Mashtots.

• Consist of 38 letters

• Based on the Greek alphabet and Pahlavi script.

Armenian Dialect

Classic Armenian (Grabar)

Western Armenian

Eastern Armenian

Armenian Now & Then• No significant change.

• Even the old texts could be understandable today by the Armenian speakers.

• The remarkable stability of etymological base is a proof of maturity of the language.

Armenian Language Timeline

3500 (circa): Proto-Armenian tribes develop a culture that evolves around agriculture, metal working and animal husbandry.

1500 - 600 BC: Cuneiform is used as a way of record-keeping.

700 BC - 300 AD:Cuneiform is substituted by Greek and Aramaicletters as means of scriptures.

405 (Circa): Invention of the Armenian Alphabet

405 - 500: Golden Age of Armenian language and literature.

425: First translation of the Bible into Armenian.

8th Cent.: A series of Sharagans (hymns) help develop Armenian poetry dedicated to spirituality.