Eastern Armenian

Eastern Armenian

Pronunciation
Native to
Region
Ethnicity
Speakers	Millions
Language family	Indo-European
Early forms
Writing system
Official status
Regulated by

Eastern Armenian (արևելահայերէն) is one of the two standardized forms of the Armenian language, the other being Western Armenian. It is spoken primarily in the Republic of Armenia and in the region of Artsakh, as well as by the Armenian community in Iran. Due to the geopolitical history and migrations, Eastern Armenian is also widely spoken in the Armenian diaspora.

History

Eastern Armenian developed distinctively from Western Armenian following the division of Armenia between the Ottoman Empire and Persia, and later the Russian Empire. The language underwent significant linguistic reforms and standardization in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly under Soviet rule, which influenced its development and modern usage.

Phonology

Eastern Armenian phonology is characterized by its preservation of certain phonetic elements lost in Western Armenian. It includes sounds that are not found in Western Armenian, such as the voiceless aspirated stops (pʰ, tʰ, kʰ, čʰ).

Grammar

The grammar of Eastern Armenian maintains several features that are archaic and not present in Western Armenian. This includes specific forms of verb conjugations and noun declensions. The language uses a seven-case system for noun declensions, including nominative, accusative, locative, genitive, dative, ablative, and instrumental.

Writing System

Eastern Armenian is written using the Armenian alphabet, which was developed by Mesrop Mashtots in the 5th century. The alphabet has undergone several reforms to include letters representing sounds specific to Eastern Armenian.

Usage and Education

In Armenia, Eastern Armenian is the medium of instruction in schools and is used in governmental and cultural contexts. It is also the language of major Armenian media outlets and literature. The National Academy of Sciences of Armenia regulates the linguistic standards of Eastern Armenian.

Dialects

There are several dialects of Eastern Armenian, including those spoken in Yerevan, Karabakh, and among the Armenian community in Iran. Each dialect has its own phonetic, lexical, and sometimes grammatical variations.

Cultural Significance

Eastern Armenian is not only a means of communication but also a carrier of Armenian culture and identity. It plays a crucial role in the preservation of Armenia's literary and cultural heritage.

See Also

• Armenian language
• Western Armenian
• Armenian alphabet
• Languages of Armenia