Be Patient and Curious When Learning Armenian

Հայերեն խոսու՞մ ես (“Do you speak Armenian?”) is a question that all volunteers hear within a few hours of landing at the Zvartnots airport in Armenia. It’s inevitable. And while some volunteers are able to answer այո (yes), others don’t even know the word for “no” (ոչ). But regardless of which group you’re in, Armenia welcomes you with open arms, and Birthright Armenia is the right place for you to discover the country and its beautiful language.

During our program, diasporan Armenians can reconnect with their ancestral language through specially designed Armenian language classes, which are offered twice a week and are free of charge.

Tailored Language Classes

These bi-weekly classes are tailored to cater to volunteers from diverse linguistic backgrounds. From those fluent in Armenian seeking to explore the depths of its literature to beginners taking their first steps in language acquisition, the program ensures that every participant finds their place. Whether stationed in Yerevan, Gyumri, or Vanadzor, volunteers can discover a welcoming and stimulating classroom environment where instructors are dedicated to guiding students at every stage of their linguistic journey.

Phoebe Kasparian from the U.S. and Lou Terzian from France are two participants who didn’t know any Armenian before joining Birthright Armenia. They have lived through this enriching experience and are now sharing their stories, shedding light on the deep impact of these language classes.

For Phoebe, the journey began from ground zero. With no prior knowledge of Armenian, her ambition was met with the reality of language learning – a path paved with patience and practice. “I believe taking the intensive class was vital to my learning,” she reflects. "I was ambitious, to say the least, and I expected to be further along by now. However, I've realized that the best tools for learning are practice and patience."

Lou came to Armenia with expectations of rapidly improving her Armenian language skills. “I expected to talk much better than I am now,” she admits, highlighting a common initial hurdle - the gap between expectation and reality. However, the structure and support provided by our language classes offered her a way forward. “To overcome [challenges], I work a little whenever I have some free time, or I go in a coffee on evenings and Sundays to make this time pleasant,” Lou shares, underlining the importance of discipline in the learning process.

The classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday. They offer a curriculum that is as much about language as about cultural immersion. Volunteers learn not just to speak but also to read and write in Armenian, using materials specifically designed for the program. The small class sizes, often ranging from two to five volunteers, ensure personalized attention, fostering an environment where each participant can thrive at their own pace.

Practical Benefits

Both Phoebe and Lou highlight how the language classes deepened their connection to Armenian culture and history. Phoebe’s journey through language has brought her closer to her Armenian identity. “Words bring people together, and I feel so proud to be Armenian when I speak the language,” she says. Lou finds fascination in the structure of the language itself, noting, “It’s really a descriptive and meaningful language,” which reflects the intricate relationship between language, land, history, and family.

Their language skills underscore the practical benefits of the classes. For Phoebe, being able to give directions in Armenian was a moment of personal triumph, a testament to her progress and growing confidence. Lou also explains that the more she learns the language, the deeper she feels connected to her Armenian heritage.

Both participants advised future volunteers to be patient and curious, encouraging newcomers to embrace the learning process with open hearts and minds. Phoebe, who extended her stay to further immerse herself in the language and culture, advocates for a balanced approach to learning and living in Armenia. “Make friends with Armenians who speak Armenian,” she advises, highlighting the importance of community and interaction in language acquisition.

Our language classes serve as educational tools and catalysts for deeper cultural understanding and personal growth. They are an integral part of the program’s mission to connect diasporan Armenians with their heritage, offering a path to learn a new language and rediscover and reaffirm their identity. Through the experiences of Lou and Phoebe, we see the transformative power of these classes—a journey of connection, discovery, and belonging that extends far beyond the classroom walls.

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AYOlingo, developed by Birthright Armenia, is a free, open-source app for learning Eastern Armenian. Suitable for both beginners and experienced learners, it offers over 120 modules, pronunciation practice, and personalized lessons. With a multi-sensory approach, a leaderboard for friendly competition, and a "test out" feature, AYOlingo is an ideal language-learning companion.