The question is - Is Armenian difficult to learn? The answer is yes and no. Let us explain. Although Armenian is know to be one of the harder languages to learn due to it's uniqueness, learning a new language will always be a challenging objective! The level of ease you'll experience through your learning process all depends on your motivation, determination and learning methods. Armenian is a very beautiful and unique language. Let's look at Armenian's unique traits and why they make it a little challenging to learn the language!
Learn Armenian Language : What Makes the Language a Little More Challenging?
Unique trait #1: The Language Family
The Armenian language has it's very own branch in the language family, called the Info European family. The reason behind this is because the Armenian language is too different from the others in terms of phonetics and consequently, their alphabet. When learning Armenian, it will be a challenging experience to learn a language that has a whole different alphabet and way of pronunciation! It does make it way more interesting though. Who doesn't love a challenge?!
Unique trait #2: The Alphabet
The Armenian alphabet contains 39 letters. These 39 letters each represent a phonetic sound and are very different from the English alphabet. They represent religious and cosmic symbols with numerical values and can appear similar one another to non Armenian speakers. Are you interested in learning about the history of the Armenian language?
Unique trait #3: Pronunciation and Phonology
The phonetics of the Armenian language is quite different. The two dialects, Western Armenian and Eastern Armenian also have their differences in regards to pronunciation. The phonetics of the Armenian language are called ejective sounds and mainly use the vocal chords instead of the lungs to push the air out. In the Armenian alphabet, a word can have a different meaning depending on your pronunciation. For example, a soft pronunciation VS. a hard pronunciation will change the meaning of the word. When speaking Armenian, the last syllable of the word carries is accentuated. The exception to that rule is when the word ends with ə or n. Such specifics can make the language harder to learn. However, a lot of tools and resources are available today to help you through your learning process!
Unique trait #4: Punctuation
Even though some punctuation in Armenian may resemble those of the English language, their purpose is entirely different. For example, let's take the colon (:). In English, we will use the colon mid sentence to add in a description. However, in Armenian, the colon is used for a complete stop at the end of a sentence. It is essentially used in a language script. Isn't that interesting?
Unique trait #5: Numbers
The Armenian langue is one of the rare languages that uses their alphabet in order to count and do math! How, you may ask? Well, their alphabet has numerical value. Created by Mesrop Mashtots, the first letters from Ա to Թ represented numbers 1 to 9, the letters Ժ-Ղ represented multiples of tens 10 to 90, the letters Ճ-Ջ represented multiples of a hundred 100-900 and the letters Ռ-Ք represented multiples of a thousand 1000 to 9000.
Unique trait #6: Grammar and Verbs
This unique trait is good news! Grammar tends to be easy. Indeed, there are no gender in nouns and pronouns, making it simple! However, verbs can be a little more challenging because they have rules that do not apply in English.
Unique trait #7: Dialects and Literary Armenian
Armenia has two dialects : Western and Eastern Armenian. In Armenia, the population speaks Eastern Armenian. Eastern Armenian is also spoken in certain parts of Iran and Azerbaijan. Western Armenian is spoken in Armenia's neighboring countries, just like Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt for example. Why? Western Armenian is spoken by Armenians who have migrated elsewhere.
The spoken language, whether it's Western or Eastern Armenian, is also different from literary Armenian, which is what you learn in school. It has different rules and is necessary in order to learn casual Armenian, whether it's Western or Eastern.
Unique trait #8: Understanding Context and Spirit
The Armenian language is greatly influenced by religious, cosmic and spirit energy. To their alphabet to their conversations, the Armenian's belief in spirit and cosmic energy will even influence the way they speak. Indeed, they believe that spirits will carry out their meanings and intentions when they speak.
Learn Armenian Language : What Are Some Tips to Facilitate Learning Armenian?
Tip #1 Learn Armenian: Vocabulary
Our first tip is to learn as much words as possible. Many books, apps and classes are available to help you enrich your vocabulary. Fun Fact: It is also possible to learn Armenian with self-teaching methods!
Tip #2 Learn Armenian: Talk
Our second tip is to talk, talk, talk! Speaking will allow you to intergrade the language. The app Tandem allows you to chatt with Armenian speakers and learn from a tutor. You can also travel to Armenia or an Armenian speaking country. There might be an Armenian community in your city!
Tip #3 Learn Armenian: Take Notes
Our third tip is to write everything down. Taking notes will help you remember information on the Armenian language. Start by writing down the alphabet! If you need help, you may also hire a tutor! Here's some information on how to find your perfect tutor.
Tip #4 Learn Armenian: Read Books
Many books are available today in order to help English speakers learn Armenian! Some examples are 1) Eastern Armenian For English Speakers: Easy Guide to Master the Alphabet, Grammar and Vocabulary, 2) Eastern Armenian Comprehensive Self-Study Language Course, 3) Learning Armenian Headstart: Manual for Foreigners, 4) Learn to Read Armenian in 5 Days and 5) Armenian Dictionary & Phrasebook: Armenian-English/English-Armenian.
Tip #5 Learn Armenian: Install Apps
With todays endless technology, many apps are available on Android, IOS and Apple! A few examples are Eastern and/or Western Armenian are AYOlingo, Ling App, Memrise, Pimsleur and Tandem. They all use different and unique teaching methods!
Finally, if you're feeling prepared and adventurous, why not visit Armenia? Traveling, speaking to Native speakers, intergrading yourself with the locals and discovering their culture are exceptional ways to learn a new language. However, read on Armenia's travel guidelines and safety tips before booking your plane ticket!
What Is the Best Way to Learn Armenian Online ?
Are you interested in learning Armenian? The unique trait of the Armenian language is itself a very good reason to discover and learn about this beautiful culture and eventually speak Armenian! Are you looking for a tutor in order to learn Armenian? Let us introduce Superprof, an online learning platform. Superprof offers the possibility of learning many different subjects, all thanks to the qualified tutors who work for the platform. You can find history classes, geography classes, science classes, math classes, language classes, art classes, dance classes, classes in various sports, music classes and many more! In you're looking to learn a new language, you can find English classes, French classes, Russian classes, Japanese classes, Italian classes, Spanish classes, Armenian classes and, etc. The choices are varied and numerous! Are you looking to learn Armenian online? Do you need language classes online for your children? All you need to do is type in Superprof's search bar the language class you're looking for (for example: Armenian language class) and your city. Classes are offered all over the world and all of the cities in the United States. It doesn't matter whether you live in New York, Chicago, Madison, San Diego, Dallas or Boston. Superprof is available everywhere. How is that possible? Well, Superprof allows students to follow online classes. This grants tutors and students a much bigger reach where more possibilities are made available!
When choosing your teacher, you will have access to their profiles. Their profile will provide a short description on their studies and work experience, their class and their fee. You can also read the reviews left by their previous students. Once you have chosen your tutor, you will have to schedule a first class in order to get to know each other, talk about your objectives and organize your class schedule. Sometimes, Superprof offers your first class for free! Isn't that neat? Your scheduling is entirely up to you. You simply need to share you schedule with your tutor and make sure it suits her/him as well. What is the average cost of a class in order to learn Armenian online? You can find classes for as little as 5$ per hour. The average costs then goes between 25-30$ per hour. It all depends on your tutors experience in the subject. Are you ready to learn Armenian with Superprof? All of Superprof's tutors offer individualized classes, adapted to their student's needs. Affordable and personalized, taking up classes with an Armenian tutor can only be worth your while. It will make learning Armenian much easier too!
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