Armenian Alphabet
Armenian is a complex and beautiful language. Except for a transition
into middle Armenian during the 10th-12th centuries and into a modern
form in the 19th century, it has been continuously used for more than
1500 years as it was first created, borrowing traces of words and expressions
from Hindu, Persian, Arabic, Greek and Latin along the way. In its current
form in the Republic, it uses a lively and vibrant incorporation of
words from Russian, French, English and other countries. It is a language
alive. Armenian has its own unique alphabet, devised between 401-406
c.e. by Mesrop Mashtots (361-440 c.e.) under the patronage of King Vramshapuh
and Catolicos Sahak Partev. Until that time, most written versions of
Armenian were in Greek. During the turbulent years of the 4th century
c.e., the new alphabet was treated as a divine gift from God, a weapon
of intellect over the dark forces of fanaticism. The first sentence
written in Armenian was "To know wisdom and gain instruction; to
discern the words of understanding..." Armenians were quick to
use the new alphabet, translating Greek, Roman, Persian, Arabic, Egyptian,
even Chinese treatises into Armenian.
The Matenadaran in Yerevan contains more than 25,000 manuscripts dating
to the 5th century. Many of these are Armenian translations of philosophical,
scientific, historical and religious writings going back as far as the
Hellenistic Greece. Some are the only existing versions of the originals.
It has been said that no more important tool was given to Armenians
then their alphabet, for it has preserved their identity during invasions,
and allowed them to avoid assimilation. If Russian was the international
tongue of the Soviet Union, then Armenian is the International tongue
that binds almost 9 million Armenians around the world.
The language can give tongue fits to an English-speaking tourist, as
it contains several sounds for which there are no English equivalents.
There is more than one pronunciation of the consonants ‘p’
‘k’ and ‘t’, for example, and it take a refined
ear to discern the differences. Armenians usually place the subject
of their sentence in front of the verb or action, so that the sentence,
"I want coffee," is said in Armenian grammar, "I coffee
want" (There is a subtle respect for the object of the sentence
implied in this grammar. For example, in Armenian "I love you"
is expressed, "I YOU love," placing the amorous object before
the action). Armenians also use the double negative, so that "Nobody
wants it," comes out ‘Nobody not wants it.’ In English
the double negative would create a positive statement. Not in Armenian.
And so the rules (and exceptions) continue. But do not despair. The
rules are not that difficult to learn...
The Armenian Alphabet Originally there were 36 letters in the Armenian
alphabet. Three letters were added in the 10th-12th cc, for a total
of 39 letters. Mashtots’ alphabet begins with the Armenian letter
for the sound "ah" and ends with the letter for the sound
"Q". This was no accident: The letter ("a") stands
for Astvatz ("Ast-VAHTZ," God) and the letter ("k")
stands for Kristos ("Kris-TOS," Christ). Coincidentally, all
Indo-European languages begin with the sound "ah". This chart
shows the alphabet, a transliterated sound (Latin letter equivalent),
and common pronunciations. Pronunciations of vowels are closer to the
British long sounds than the flat American dialect.
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Cultural Heritage
You can gain further insights into Armenian cultural achievements
at museums, theaters and concert halls. Theater in Armenia has a tradition
dating back more than 2,000 years. You can attend a wide choice of performances
ranging from concerts to puppet theater and jazz music.
At the top of Mesrop Mashtots Avenue,
the main artery of the capital city Yerevan, you will find the Matenadaran
- the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. Matenadaran boasts the world's
largest collection of ancient manuscripts (over 16,000). The collection
includes many valuable works of foreign philosophers, some of which have
survived only in their Armenian translation. Among these are works by
Aristotle, Eusebius of Caesarea and many others. Art aficionados can visit
the National Art Gallery displaying its rich collections of works by European
and Russian artists. This impressive building located in the Republic
Square is also home to the largest national collection of paintings by
famous Armenian artists such as Ayvazovsky and Sarian. The spirit of creativity
is fostered and promoted in Armenians from the young age. Hence, the Children's
Art Gallery, which was the first permanent exhibition of its sort in the
world. It is conveniently located at 13 Abovian street, one of the better
preserved streets of old Yerevan.
The Alexander Spendiarian Opera and Ballet
Theater, one of the principal features of Freedom Square, the design of
which is based on the seventh century Cathedral at Zvarnotz consists of
a splendid concert hall in addition to the opera house The homes of many
famous Armenian writes, poets, and artists are now open to tourists. Their
hours of operation vary, so please phone in advance.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Yerevan and take in its unique architectural
vistas. Yerevan's architectural character stands out in that of the most
of the buildings are constructed of various colors of tufa and basalt,
both of them products of volcanic nature. This makes Yerevan one of the
few cities with no painted buildings.
The city is enshrined with many internationally
acclaimed statues by famous sculptors, such Yervand Kochar, Levon Tokmadjian.
Most of the statues depict Armenian national heroes or glorify events
of national importance. It is advisable to check out the following:
 Sasuntsi
Davit, the symbol of collective Armenian character Vardan Mamikonian,
hero of the battle of Avarayr fought in 451 AD eighteenth century bard,
Sayat Nova Khachatour Abovian, renowned for revolutionizing modern Armenian
language and climbing Mount Ararat in search of Noah's Ark.
Outstanding Armenian poets, Hovhannes Toumanian and Avetik Issahakian
artist Martiros Sarian, famous for his vivid colors and unique interpretation
of Armenian landscapes
In the evening you can relax at the Parisian style cafes of the city or
stroll by the singing fountains of the Republic Square.
Bee keeper's hut set in the idyllic countryside
around Dilijan in Northern Armenia Armenia is often referred to as a museum
in the open air. There are about 40,000 historical monuments spread across
Armenia.
IN 301 AD, Armenians were the first nation to make Christianity their
state religion. As a result, much of Armenian cultural heritage is shaped
by symbols and values associated with the Christian faith.
Many of the 40,000 surviving ancient monuments
in Armenia are Christian churches and monasteries, most of which were
built over demolished pagan temples. Hence, only one pagan temple remains
in Armenia, Garni.
In building their churches, Armenians
made a significant contribution to the world's architectural tradition.
They developed the concept of laying out the floor plan of a church in
the shape of a cross. This early Christian basilica style was later incorporated
into the Gothic architecture of European cathedrals.
Armenian khatchkars are a unique part
of the national heritage. Intricately decorated crosses are carved on
monolithic rocks. There are over 4,000 khatchkars in Armenia, and every
one of them has a singular pattern.
Etchmiadzin is the religious center of
Armenia. It is the Holy Seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Its Cathedral
was built in 301 AD on a site of a former pagan temple.
The mountainous terrain of Armenia is
rich in mineral water sources, renowned for their healing powers. Although
Armenian mineral water from such sources as Jermouk, Arzni, Bejni, Hankavan,
and Dilijan is bottled and widely available throughout the country, it
is advisable to make the most of their healing powers by visiting the
sources themselves, all of them being picturesque and popular resorts.
For instance, Dilijan, with its rolling
hills and lush forests is ideal for hiking, back-packing and camping.
Its beauty has inspired many famous composers and musicians. such as Benjamin
Britten, Aram Khachaturian, Dimitri Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich,
and many others who stayed here at a vacation resort for musicians. |
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