Language/Armenian/Culture/Armenians-in-Diaspora

Armenian → Culture → Armenians in Diaspora

Armenians have a strong cultural identity that has endured for centuries. As a language teacher, I find it important to highlight the history and culture of Armenian communities around the world. Today, we will explore the history and culture of Armenians in diaspora.

What is the Armenian Diaspora?

The Armenian Diaspora refers to the Armenian communities outside of Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Armenian Diaspora has its roots in the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 when over a million Armenians perished at the hands of Ottoman Turks. Thousands of Armenians fled the country to seek safety and security in other parts of the world. Today, the Armenian Diaspora is spread across the globe, with significant populations in various countries, including the United States, France, Russia, and other former Soviet republics.

Armenians in the United States

The United States has one of the largest Armenian Diaspora populations in the world, with an estimated 1.5 million people of Armenian descent. The Armenian community in the United States has a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, food, and other customs. Armenian-Americans have also made significant contributions to American society, including in the fields of science, art, politics, and business.

To illustrate, here are some common Armenian words and their English translations:

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
բարեւ	barev	hello
բանական	banakan	friendly
ինձ	indz	me
բայց	bayts'	but

As you can see, Armenian pronunciation can be tricky, but with time and practice, it can become more intuitive.

Armenians in France

France also has a significant Armenian population, with an estimated 400,000 people of Armenian descent. Armenian-French culture is characterized by its rich culinary traditions, including popular dishes like dolma, lavash, and basturma. The Armenian community in France has also had a notable impact on French politics and society, with several prominent politicians and intellectuals of Armenian origin.

Here are some additional common Armenian phrases and their English translations:

• շնորհակալություն (shnorhakalutyun): thank you
• փորձիչ (p'orchič'): experimenter
• քաղաքական (k'aghak'akan): municipal
• պատշարակ (patšarak): convict

Armenians in Russia

Russia is home to a significant Armenian population, estimated to be around two million people. The Armenian community in Russia has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional dance, music, and cuisine. Russian-Armenians have also made significant contributions to Russian society, including in the fields of business, politics, and culture.

Here are some common Armenian verbs and their English translations:

• գրել (grel): to write
• խոսել (khosel): to speak
• ուտել (utel): to eat
• սիրել (sirel): to love

Conclusion

The Armenian Diaspora is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the Armenian people in the face of adversity. Despite being dispersed across the world, Armenians have managed to maintain their distinct cultural identity while also contributing to the societies in which they live. Understanding the history and culture of Armenian communities around the world is crucial not only for Armenian language learners but for anyone who wants to gain a deeper appreciation of the richness of human diversity.

Related Lessons

• Armenian Folktales and Literature
• Chess and Chess Players
• Armenian Holidays and Festivals
• Armenian Alphabet
• Armenian National Instruments
• Armenian Music and Arts
• Armenian Churches and Monasteries
• Traditional Armenian Dances
• Armenian Pop Music

Sources

• Armenians - Wikipedia
• Armenian diaspora - Wikipedia