Language/Armenian/Grammar/Quotation-Marks-and-Parentheses
As a Armenian language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I have helped many students understand the inner workings of the language, including how to properly use punctuation. In this lesson, we will explore the usage of Quotation Marks and Parentheses in Armenian language.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Future Tense & The Verb to Have.
Quotation Marks
Quotation marks are used to represent speech, a quotation, or a title. In Armenian language, quotation marks differ for first level (չակերտներ) quotes and second level (երկրորդ ակերտներ) quotes.
For first level quotes, Armenian language uses angular quotation marks. These are similar to the English quotation marks, but tilted at an angle of 9 degrees. The first-level quotes should start with left angular quotation marks («), and end with right angular quotation marks (»).
For second level quotes within first level quotes, Armenian language uses round quotation marks. The second-level quotes should start with left round quotation marks („) and end with right round quotation marks (“). Here’s an example:
| Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| «Ուշադրություն» ասաց այնիվքան ընկույզը | /uʃadɾutʰjun/ | He warned ‘So timid that gazelle’ |
In the example provided, angular quotation marks are used for the title, and round quotation marks were used to quote a phrase from the title in the sentence.
Parentheses
Parentheses are used for clarity and emphasis. They are used to insert explanations or qualifying statements in text. In Armenian, parentheses come in two forms: round parentheses and square brackets.
Round parentheses are used to enclose information that is not necessary for the sentence to be grammatically correct, but that provides additional information. An example is:
| Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Կարող ենք (կամ կարող ենք) մեր մեքենան վաճառել: | /kaɾoʁ jenq/ (kam kaɾoʁ jenq) /meɾ mekʰen'an vaɹaɾɛl/ | We can (or may) sell our car. |
Square brackets are used less commonly than round parentheses. They are mostly used in quoting text, or supplying a missing word, letter or punctuation mark. An example is:
| Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Պատասխանատուները [դրանց] հետ չեն հանդես ակտիվ հետաքննությունից։ | /patasxanatuɾnɛɾ/ [dranč] /het͡ʃɛn/ čɛn /handɛs/ /aktiəv/ hetaknunutʰjunits' | Respondents are exempt from active follow-up [with them]. |
In the example provided, square brackets are used to show a part of the sentence that has been omitted.
With this understanding of quotation marks and parentheses, you can properly punctuate your Armenian writings, leading to a more polished and professional final product.
Other Lessons
- The Dative and Accusative Cases
- Future Tense
- There Is and There Are
- Conditional Sentences
- The Nominative Case
- Adjective Endings
- Give your Opinion
- How to Use Have
- The Future Perfect Tense
- Obligatory Mood Future Obligatory
Sources