The Armenian alphabet is a distinctive writing system with a history of over 1,600 years. More than just letters, it stands as a strong symbol of Armenian culture, identity, and perseverance. This guide will explain its origins, development, key features, and its importance in Armenian life, showing how this script keeps Armenian traditions alive while adapting to current times.
What Is the Armenian Alphabet?
The Armenian alphabet is a phonetic writing system created specifically for the Armenian language. Each letter usually matches a single sound, which helps make Armenian pronunciation clearer and easier to learn for new readers.
The letters have unique shapes, some influenced by Greek, but the script is easy to recognize because of its special loops and angles. These shapes have hardly changed in more than 1,500 years, making the alphabet an effective and lasting symbol of Armenian heritage.
Main Features of the Armenian Script
The Armenian script has several main features:
- It is phonetic-one letter for each sound.
- The shapes do not look like Latin or Cyrillic letters, which makes it visually unique.
- Each letter has both uppercase and lowercase forms, similar to English.
- Vowels are part of the main alphabet, so there are no extra markings needed to write them.
- Each original letter has a numerical value, so letters were also used as numbers in the past.
How Many Letters Are in the Armenian Alphabet?
Currently, there are 39 letters in the Armenian alphabet. It was first created with 36 letters in 405 AD. Later, two letters-օ (ō) and ֆ (f)-were added around the 11th century for foreign sounds, making 38. In the 1920s, the letter և (ev) was added as a separate letter in the reformed spelling system, bringing the total to 39.
Of these, roughly 31 are consonants and 7 are vowels (some sources count this slightly differently). The alphabet has enough letters to cover all the sounds of the Armenian language.
Writing Direction and Alphabet Order
Armenian is written horizontally from left to right, just like English and many other European languages. This makes it easier for English speakers to learn. The alphabetical order starts with “Ա” (Ayb) and ends with “Ք” (Keh). The order groups similar sounds together and helps organize dictionaries and language materials.
Who Invented the Armenian Alphabet and Why?
The creation of the Armenian alphabet was a turning point for Armenian culture and national identity-a way to preserve the language, religion, and heritage of the Armenian people.
Mesrop Mashtots’ Contribution
Mesrop Mashtots, a scholar and monk, invented the Armenian alphabet in 405 AD. He worked with Isaac (Sahak) the Great (the head of the Armenian Church), a Greek named Rufanos, and King Vramshapuh. Before the alphabet, Armenians mostly spoke their language; they used Greek, Persian, or Syriac scripts for writing. Mashtots designed a script that matched Armenians’ spoken sounds closely.
His main goal was to make religious texts available to everyone in Armenian. Before this, such texts were only written in foreign languages, making it difficult for ordinary people to understand Christian teachings. The new alphabet allowed the translation of the scriptures into Armenian, leading to a growth of literature and end of relying on other scripts.
Historical Setting and the First Written Sentence
In the 5th century, Armenia was surrounded by powerful empires. Keeping a distinct culture was important for survival. The alphabet helped unify the Armenian people and strengthen their connection to Christianity, which became the state religion in 301 AD.
The first known sentence written in Armenian, by Mashtots, is from the Book of Proverbs: “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding.” This showed right away how the new script could be used for spreading knowledge and faith.
Some ancient writers mention Armenian writing systems before Mashtots, but there is no solid proof of a full, widely used Armenian script before his time. Most experts agree that the alphabet Mashtots created was the first fully adopted writing system for the Armenian language.
How Has the Armenian Alphabet Changed Over Time?
The Armenian alphabet has stayed mostly the same since it was created, but there have been additions and a few changes due to shifts in the language and outside influences.
New Letters and Changes
Originally there were 36 letters. Two more (օ and ֆ) were added between the 11th and 13th centuries to represent sounds from foreign words. In the 20th century, the reformed spelling used in Soviet Armenia made և (ev) an official 39th letter. Some regions, including Western Armenia and Iranian Armenians, did not accept this reform and still use the traditional spelling.
Eastern vs. Western Armenian
There are two main dialects of Armenian: Eastern and Western. Both use the same alphabet, but they pronounce some letters differently. For example:
- Բ (Ben): Eastern = ‘b’, Western = ‘p’
- Գ (Gim): Eastern = ‘g’, Western = ‘k’
- Դ (Da): Eastern = ‘d’, Western = ‘t’
These differences are important for learners to know, and many resources focus on both dialects.
Names and Sounds of Armenian Letters
Learning the Armenian alphabet means knowing letter shapes, their names, and the sounds they stand for.
Letter Names and Groups
Each of the 39 letters has a name, usually explaining how it is pronounced. The Armenian word for “alphabet” (այբուբեն, aybuben) comes from the names of the first two letters, Ayb and Ben. Many letter names are grouped by their endings or beginnings (like da, za, ca, and ja), which helps in remembering them.
Pronunciation for Learners
Because Armenian is phonetic, learning the sounds is straightforward. Some sounds may be new to English speakers, such as խ (kh-a rough “kh” sound) or ռ (r-a rolled “r”). Learners should focus on these first. Remember, some sounds change between Eastern and Western Armenian, so choose the dialect you want to learn.
Common Letter Pairs and Groups
Some common combinations act as single sounds. For example, ու is pronounced as “u”, not “o-u”. The combination եւ stands for “ev” or “yev”. In old spelling, these were seen as digraphs and ligatures, but in new spelling, they count as single letters. It’s also easy to mix up similar-looking letters like ո (vo) and ռ (ra), or ւ (vyun) and վ (ven), so it’s good to practice these pairs a lot.
How Is the Armenian Alphabet Used?
Armenian is used every day in schools, books, media, and online. Its different styles work for both handwriting and print.
Kinds of Armenian Script
The main styles are:
- Erkatagir (երկաթագիր): Known as “iron letters,” this is the original script. It is bold and used in old manuscripts and stone carvings.
- Bolorgir (բոլորգիր): Means “rounded script,” smaller and rounder, often used since the 16th century for printing.
- Notrgir (նօտրգիր): A more cursive script used for fast writing and in the Armenian diaspora.
- Sheghagir (շղագիր): The modern, slanted, cursive handwriting style seen most commonly today.
In handwriting, uppercase and lowercase letters are often more alike than in print, and how you write the strokes becomes important. Practice helps you learn the flow between letters.
Ligatures and Punctuation
Ligatures combine two letters into one symbol. For example, և joins ե (e) and ւ (u). This used to be a typographical choice, but is now a full letter in the reformed script. Armenian also has special punctuation:
- Quotation Marks (« »): Similar to French guillemets, above the line of text.
- Comma (,): As in English.
- Short Pause (՝): Used like a semicolon.
- Middle Dot (․): Separates clauses or lists, like a colon.
- Period (։): Two dots above each other, ends a sentence.
There are also special markers above vowels for emphasis (!), stress (’), and questions (՞), plus a hyphen (֊).
Typing in Armenian
The Armenian alphabet is fully supported by Unicode, meaning you can use it on computers and phones. The most popular keyboard layout is the phonetic layout, which matches Armenian sounds to familiar English keys whenever possible. Some letters are on less common keys since there are 39 Armenian letters but only 26 English ones, but it remains straightforward for new users.
Armenian Alphabet in Culture and Language
For Armenians, the alphabet is a deep part of who they are. It has played a key role in religion, literature, art, and even among other languages and communities.
Role in Religion, Literature, and Art
The alphabet was invented mainly so Armenians could read religious texts in their own language. This made Christianity easier to understand and made the Armenian Apostolic Church stronger. The script allowed an explosion of new Armenian writing-religious texts, history books, and literature-that are still important today.
The lettering style is also used in art. “Armenian letter art and its cultural expressions” is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognizing its creative role in decorations, calligraphy, and church carvings. Armenian script is not just for communication-it is a key part of Armenian art and pride.
Use by Other Languages
The Armenian alphabet has also been used to write other languages. For about 250 years, many Turkish books were printed in this script, called Armeno-Turkish, because it was considered clearer than Arabic or Greek letters for Turkish at the time. The first Turkish novel, “Akabi Hikayesi,” was written in Armenian script. Kurdish and Kipchak Armenian Christians also wrote in Armenian script, and the Armeno-Tats used it for their language. This shows the alphabet adjusts well to other languages and has helped many groups.
How to Learn the Armenian Alphabet
Learning the Armenian alphabet takes effort, but it is rewarding and connects you to rich history. A step-by-step plan and steady practice help a lot.
Beginner’s Step-by-Step Plan
- Understand the Script: Know that it is read left to right, and every letter has an uppercase and lowercase form.
- Learn Letter Names and Shapes: Use flashcards or online tools that show the letter and its name.
- Practice the Sounds: Focus on how each letter is pronounced, paying special attention to sounds not found in English.
- Write by Hand: Practice writing each letter. This helps you remember their shapes and how they connect.
- Learn Common Combinations: Get used to letters like ու (u) and եւ (ev/yev).
- Try Simple Words: Start reading and writing everyday words like բարև (barev: hello) and շնորհակալություն (shnorhakalutyun: thank you).
- Pick a Dialect: Choose Eastern or Western Armenian, and stick to it as some pronunciations differ.
Tips for Memory and Recognition
- Associate Visually: Link each letter to a simple shape or object you know to remember it better.
- Compare Similar Letters: Regularly practice distinguishing tricky pairs like ո/ռ and ւ/վ.
- Review Often: Use spaced repetition-short, regular review sessions are best.
- Write Repeatedly: Writing letters by hand helps store them in your memory.
- Create Rhymes or Phrases: Make up sayings with the letter names or sounds.
- Listen and Imitate: Hear native speakers and repeat after them to link sounds to letters.
Practice Materials and Exercises
- Online Videos: Websites like Tun Online Armenian School have pronunciation videos for both main dialects.
- Printable Workbooks: Download workbooks for writing practice and exercises.
- Flashcards: Use digital or printed cards for daily review.
- Apps: Some language apps feature the Armenian alphabet, but make sure sounds and letters are accurate.
- Books: Textbooks give structured lessons and explanations.
Common Mistakes and Solutions
- Mixing Up Similar Letters: Spend extra time practicing pairs that look alike.
- Mispronouncing New Sounds: Pay extra attention to unique Armenian sounds-listen to native speakers and copy their pronunciation.
- Overlooking Dialect Differences: Use learning materials suited to your chosen dialect.
- Ignoring Handwriting: Don’t just type-practice handwriting too.
- Irregular Practice: Practice every day, even a little, rather than rarely for long periods.
Recommended Courses and Reading
- Online Tutors: Platforms like Preply offer Armenian teachers who can guide, correct, and personalize your learning.
- Online Classes: Tun Online Armenian School features masterclass series on reading and writing Armenian, including video lessons and games.
- Summer Programs: Groups like ASPIRANTUM in Yerevan provide intensive courses.
- Easy Reading: Start with basic books, children’s stories, or simple news articles once you know the basics.
By sticking to these steps and using these tools, you’ll make steady progress in reading and writing Armenian, allowing you to explore a language full of history and tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions – Armenian Alphabet
Is the Armenian Alphabet Still Used?
Yes, the Armenian alphabet is still used daily in Armenia and by people in Armenian communities worldwide. It is used for all forms of writing-books, newspapers, schools, and conversations. Even with modern technology, the Armenian script remains widely taught and valued as a central part of Armenian life. Its recognition by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights its importance today.
How Is Armenian Written with English Letters?
Sometimes Armenian words are written using the Latin alphabet-a process called transliteration. There are different ways to do this, but ISO 9985 is a common standard. Linguists may use other methods, especially for older forms of Armenian. Transliteration tries to match Armenian sounds with Latin letters, sometimes using marks like ‘kh’ or ‘x’ for the Armenian խ, or ‘rr’ or ‘ṙ’ for ռ. Transliteration is just a guide, and you may see Armenian words written differently in English.
Where Else Is the Armenian Alphabet Used?
Though created for Armenian, the alphabet has been used to write Turkish, Kurdish, Kipchak, and Tat, mostly in books or newspapers. For example, many Turkish books used the Armenian script for over two centuries, including the first Turkish novel. Kurdish works were printed in Armenian letters in the Ottoman Empire and early Soviet Armenia. Even groups like the Armeno-Tats use the Armenian alphabet for their language. This shows the script can be used successfully for different languages, helping people read and write in their own way.
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