Learning Armenian offers access to a rich cultural heritage and a language spoken by millions worldwide. It is an ancient Indo-European language with its own alphabet, making it unique and rewarding to learn. Armenian is the official language of Armenia and the native language of its people, with around 5-7 million speakers globally.
The language has a long history, with three main periods: Classical Armenian (5th-11th centuries), Middle Armenian (12th-17th centuries), and Modern Armenian (18th century-present). There are two main forms: Eastern Armenian, spoken in Armenia and parts of the diaspora, and Western Armenian, spoken primarily by the diaspora.
Armenian dialects reflect the country's diverse culture. Learning Armenian connects you to its literature, music, and cinema, offering a deeper appreciation of the nation's heritage.
1. Get Acquainted with the Alphabet
A key feature of Armenian is its alphabet, created in the 5th century by Mesrop Mashtots. Originally 36 letters, it now has 39 in the Eastern variant (used in Armenia) and 38 in the Western variant (used by the diaspora). Learning it early aids pronunciation and reading, as Armenian is largely phonetic.
Tip: Practice writing each letter by hand, as this reinforces memory and helps familiarize you with the unique shapes of the Armenian script. Flashcards with letters and corresponding sounds are also helpful. You can also use Armenian Alphabet Learning Apps on iOS and Android.
2. Focus on Pronunciation and Sounds
Armenian is a captivating language with unique sounds and letters, including ejective consonants that can challenge and delight new learners. For instance, it has three distinct "B" sounds—Բ, Պ, and Փ—each with a unique pronunciation.
- Բ is similar to the "B" in Ball.
- Պ resembles the "P" in the Italian word Pizza, or the Russian word Ponchik.
- Փ aligns with the "P" in Pancake.
Armenian features unique sounds, such as the letter Ղ, similar to the French R, and Խ, resembling the Spanish J. It also includes rare sounds like Ճ, uncommon even among neighboring languages, except Georgian. Despite these distinctive features, Armenian vowels and many consonants are similar to those in other Indo-European languages, offering a familiar foundation for learners. Mastering these sounds may be challenging but greatly enhances speaking and listening skills.
Tip: Listen to native speakers on YouTube, podcasts, or apps, and practice repeating words to refine your pronunciation. Embrace the journey into Armenian's beauty!
3. Master Basic Phrases and Vocabulary
Before tackling complex grammar, start with basic words and phrases to build a strong foundation. Learning essential vocabulary—such as greetings, common nouns and verbs—helps you navigate everyday situations and engage in simple conversations confidently.
Tip: Start by learning phrases such as:
- Barev (Բարև) or formal Barev dzez (Բարև Ձեզ) – “Hi” or "Hello"
- Inchpes es? (Ինչպե՞ս ես) or informal Vonts es? (Ո՞նց ես)- "How are you?"
- Ayo (Այո) or informal Ha (Հա)- “Yes”
- Voch (Ոչ) or informal Che (Չէ) – “No”
- Siroom em qez (Սիրում եմ քեզ) – “I love you”
- Yes (Ես) – “I”
- Lav (Լավ) – “Good”
Immerse yourself in authentic Armenian content like music, films, and YouTube channels. Listening to native speakers will help you grasp natural speech patterns, idiomatic expressions, and informal language.
Tip: Dedicate time daily to listening to Armenian music or watching Armenian TV shows with subtitles. Engage in language exchange with native speakers online or visit Armenia to practice the language in person.
4. Resources for Learning Armenian
Language Learning Apps
There are numerous language learning apps designed for Armenian, including Tumanyan.online, Tun app, Ling-app, Preply, Ayolingo, check out the free courses twice a week on Birthright Armenia, and the Armenian Virtual College. These apps often feature vocabulary exercises, grammar explanations, and quizzes that make learning enjoyable and convenient.
Tip: Combine several apps to get a more comprehensive approach, as each app has different strengths.
Books
Tip: English language speakers can explore Armenian learning books on the following websites:LearnArmenianOrg, Amazon (Armenin Books), AGBUbookstore . Russian language speakers can find Armenian learning books on: Ozon (Books for Armenian Language learning), Litres
Schools
Berlitz
Location: Berlitz Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia
Located in the heart of Yerevan, Berlitz offers a comprehensive selection of individual and group programs, specializing in intensive courses. They provide courses in multiple languages, including Armenian.
Horizon School
Location: Horizon of Expectation Language Center
Yerevan, Armenia
Established in 2010, this center offers high-quality language education with experienced teachers proficient in Armenian, English, and Persian. They provide tailored courses to meet specific needs.
ICLT
Location: ICLT (International Center of Languages and Training)
Yerevan, Armenia
With over 10 years of experience, ICLT is one of the largest language schools in Armenia, offering courses in various languages, including Armenian, with both native and local CELTA-qualified tutors.
AUA Extension
Location: AUA
AUA Extension, the non-degree division of the American University of Armenia, offers certificate programs, language courses, workshops, and testing services for international standardized exams, catering to diverse educational and professional needs.
Tip: Explore these and other language schools in Yerevan to find a program that fits your needs. Options like Berlitz, Horizon, ICLT, Art House, and AUA Extension offer diverse courses, including tailored and intensive Armenian language programs.
5. Break Down the Grammar Basics
Armenian grammar can be complex, especially because of its distinct conjugation patterns, verb forms, and cases. The language has seven grammatical cases and two main standard forms, Eastern and Western Armenian, each with slightly different grammar rules. Focusing on one dialect will make learning more manageable.
Tip: Focus on present-tense conjugations and commonly used cases like nominative and accusative. Practice forming simple sentences, gradually adding more complexity as you become more comfortable. Also, focus on root words, Armenian has many compound words and derivatives. Learning the roots can help you deduce meanings of new words, making vocabulary acquisition more efficient.
6. Practice Reading with Bilingual Materials
Reading is an excellent way to build vocabulary and learn sentence structure. Bilingual books, online news sources, and Armenian websites offer great resources for learners to practice their reading skills. Start with short stories or articles, and look up words you don’t know to expand your vocabulary.
Tip: Use an Armenian-English dictionary app to look up words as you read, and try translating simple sentences. Nayiri is a popular Armenian dictionary app that works offline and provides detailed word explanations.
7. Find Language Partners or Join Classes
Learning a language with others can motivate you and provide new perspectives on the material. There are online communities for Armenian learners, as well as formal and informal language classes. Language exchange partners, especially native Armenian speakers, can also give you helpful feedback and immerse you in real-world conversations. Many members of the Armenian diaspora are enthusiastic about sharing their language and culture. Website like ConversationExchange.com can connect you with native speakers. Look for local Armenian community centers or cultural festivals where you can practice conversational skills in a natural setting.
Tip: Platforms like iTalki can connect you with Armenian-speaking tutors or language partners, enabling you to practice and receive direct feedback on your progress.
8. Immersion into Armenia Art and Media
Learning Armenian opens up a vibrant world of literature, music, and cinema, deepening your connection to Armenia’s rich cultural heritage. You can explore iconic works like the epic "David of Sasun" and the writings of Grigor Narekatsi, praised worldwide. Enjoy the beautiful music of Komitas, who preserved Armenia's national songs, and discover classic films like The Tango of Our Childhood, which earned a prestigious award at the Venice Film Festival. Dive into the masterpieces of Sergei Parajanov, like The Color of Pomegranates, for a unique view of Armenia's history and art. Learning Armenian lets you experience these treasures in their purest form!
Watch Armenian YouTube channels, TV shows, or even TikToks to hear casual, spoken Armenian. Channels like Armenian Public TV, Shant TV, Armenia TV or independent creators often have varied content.Food is an integral part of Armenian culture. Learn terms related to cooking and ingredients by exploring Armenian recipes or watching cooking videos in Armenian on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, Reddit or other platforms.
Learning Armenian requires patience, dedication, and an open mind. By embracing the alphabet, diving into grammar, practicing speaking and listening, and engaging with Armenian culture, you’ll gradually build fluency. Armenian may be challenging, but the rewards—connecting with a fascinating culture, communicating with Armenian speakers, and experiencing the rich history of the language—make it well worth the effort.
Consistency is key to language learning success. Set achievable goals, such as learning five new words daily or practicing for 15 minutes. Use a journal or language app to track progress and celebrate small victories to stay motivated. Goals like “master the alphabet,” “hold a basic conversation,” or “watch a show in Armenian without subtitles” can provide focus and help measure improvement.
Happy learning, and “Hajoghutyun” (Հաջողություն) – a meaningful Armenian word that means both “goodbye” and “good luck”!
Arman Batikyan
Attorney
