Classical Armenian

Classical Armenian or Grabar (

) is the oldest attested form of the Armenian language, with written records dating from the 5th century. It remained the literary and liturgical language of Armenia and the Armenian diaspora until the 19th century, when it gradually began to be replaced by Modern Armenian. Despite this, Classical Armenian continues to be studied and used in religious contexts by the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as in academia.

History

Classical Armenian developed in the early 5th century from the Armenian dialects spoken at the time. The invention of the Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots around 405 AD was a pivotal moment in the history of the language, enabling the transcription of religious texts and the translation of the Bible into Armenian. This translation, known as the Armenian Bible, was crucial in the development of a unified Armenian literary language.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Classical Armenian was enriched by the works of numerous scholars and theologians, such as Gregory of Narek and Movses Khorenatsi, whose contributions are considered cornerstones of Armenian literature and history.

Characteristics

Classical Armenian is known for its rich inflectional system, with seven noun cases, a complex verb conjugation system, and a wide range of participle forms. Its vocabulary was heavily influenced by Parthian, Syriac, and especially Greek, reflecting the diverse cultural influences on Armenia during the early Christian era.

Modern Usage

Today, Classical Armenian is primarily used in liturgical settings by the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is also a subject of study in Armenian schools and universities, where it is valued both for its historical significance and its literary heritage. Scholars of Armenian studies and linguistics continue to study Classical Armenian texts to gain insights into the history, culture, and language of Armenia.

See Also

• Armenian literature
• History of Armenia
• Armenian Apostolic Church
• Modern Armenian