Armenian language facts for kids

The Armenian language is a special language spoken by people from Armenia. It belongs to a big group of languages called Indo-European languages. Think of it like a unique branch on a very old family tree of languages!

Armenian is the official language of Armenia. It is also used in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Many Armenian communities around the world also speak it. This language has its very own alphabet, which is called the Armenian alphabet. There are two main ways of speaking Armenian: Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian.

What is the Armenian Language?

The Armenian language is truly one-of-a-kind. It has been spoken for thousands of years. It is part of the Indo-European language family. This family includes languages like English, Spanish, and Hindi. But Armenian has its own special branch. This means it developed differently from other languages.

Armenian has a rich history. It has changed over many centuries. Today, about 7 million people speak Armenian. Most of them live in Armenia. However, many Armenians live in other countries. They keep their language alive wherever they go.

Where is Armenian Spoken?

Armenian is the main language of Armenia. This country is located in the Caucasus region. It is also an official language in Nagorno-Karabakh. This area is a disputed territory.

Beyond these places, you can hear Armenian in many countries. Large groups of Armenian speakers live in Russia and the United States. There are also many speakers in Georgia, Lebanon, Iran, and Syria. Smaller communities exist in Turkey and Cyprus. This shows how widespread the Armenian people are.

The Unique Armenian Alphabet

One of the most amazing things about Armenian is its alphabet. It was created a very long time ago. A scholar named Mesrop Mashtots invented it. This happened around the year 405 AD. He wanted to make it easier for Armenians to read the Bible.

The Armenian alphabet has 39 letters. Each letter has a special shape. It is different from the Latin alphabet used for English. It is also different from the Cyrillic alphabet used for Russian. This unique alphabet helped keep the Armenian culture strong. It allowed them to write down their history and stories.

Eastern vs. Western Armenian

Even though it's one language, Armenian has two main forms. These are Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian. They are like two different dialects. Think of them as different accents or ways of speaking.

Eastern Armenian

Eastern Armenian is spoken mainly in Armenia. It is also used in Iran and Russia. This form is the official language of Armenia. It is taught in schools there. It is also used in government and media.

Western Armenian

Western Armenian is spoken by Armenians living outside Armenia. Many speakers are in the United States and Europe. It is also spoken in the Middle East. This form developed differently over time. It is often heard in Armenian communities around the world. Both forms are important for Armenian culture.

A Brief History of Armenian

The Armenian language has a long and interesting past. It started from an ancient language called Proto-Armenian. Over centuries, it changed and grew.

The earliest form we know is Old Armenian. This was spoken around the 5th century. It is sometimes called Grabar. Many important books were written in Old Armenian. These include religious texts and historical records.

Later, the language changed into Middle Armenian. This was used from the 12th to the 18th centuries. It was a time when Armenian literature grew. Finally, modern Armenian developed from these older forms. It continues to evolve today.

Why is Armenian Special?

The Armenian language is more than just words. It is a big part of Armenian identity. It connects people to their history and culture. It has helped keep their traditions alive.

Learning Armenian means understanding a rich heritage. It means reading ancient manuscripts. It means connecting with millions of people worldwide. It is a language of art, music, and poetry. It is a living link to a proud past.

Images for kids

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  Armenian manuscript, 5th–6th century.

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  The Four Gospels, 1495, Portrait of St Mark Wellcome with Armenian inscriptions

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  First printed Armenian language Bible, 1666

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  Armenian language road sign.

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  Armenian keyboard layout using the Armenian alphabet.

See also

In Spanish: Idioma armenio para niños