Armenian Language Classes at Fresno State Are Keeping Armenian Language and Culture Alive

Christine Pambukyan

Staff Writer

The Armenian language has been spoken for more than 3,000 years. Armenians, however, were not able to read and write with their own alphabet until a priest, St. Mesrop Mashtots, created a thirty-six-letter alphabet in 406 AD. In the twelfth century, two letters were added to the alphabet to accommodate new sounds introduced to the Armenian language through contact with foreigners. 

Over time, due to geographical and political reasons, many dialects developed throughout Armenia. By the mid-nineteenth century, two main branches of Armenian had developed: Modern Western Armenian and Modern Eastern Armenian. As a result of the Armenian Genocide in 1915, many surviving Armenians emigrated to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, South America, or the United States. 

Today, through language courses offered by the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State, Armenian-American students have the opportunity to learn how to speak, read, and write in their native language, and non-Armenians have the chance to learn a beautiful and ancient language, keeping it alive through the Western Armenian dialect. 

Every Monday and Wed-nesday from 10AM until 11:50AM, students in Armenian 1B, Elementary Armenian, meet to develop their Armenian speaking, reading, and writing skills during the spring semester of 2019. Due to Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian’s engaging and understanding approach to teaching, students come eager to practice speaking and ready to learn the language. 

“I enjoy this class as I feel I am learning a lot every day. All of it is equally engaging,” said Caleb Arizmendez, a freshman majoring in Chemistry.

Prof. Der Mugrdechian has been teaching Armenian language courses at Fresno State for more than thirty years. His approach is to engage students in an overall experience, to not only learn the language, but to also learn more about the Armenian culture. “I enjoy teaching Armenian to students who are eager to learn. We learn as a class about Armenian history and about the roots of the language,” said Prof. Der Mugrdechian.

Armenian language courses are a basic requirement for the Minor in Armenian Studies at Fresno State.

Some students like the grammar exercises that the students are assigned. “My favorite part of this class is grammar lessons in the textbook,” stated Mark Soghomonian, a senior at University High School. 

The sixteen students in the class have many different levels of proficiency in Armenian. Some speak the language fluently with their family and friends. “I speak Armenian outside of class with my parents, grandparents, family, and some of my friends,” said freshman Anahit Yerdoglyan. Others began the class knowing a few phrases, or no Armenian at all. “Before taking the Armenian class I only knew a few words and phrases that I would say to my father,” said Cole Egoian, a junior majoring in Biology.

When students were asked why they decided to take the Armenian language course at Fresno State, there were a variety of responses. Some students are taking the course to read and write Armenian better, and to also learn more about the language they grew up speaking. 

“I wanted to learn how to read and write in Armenian. I also wanted to learn more about Armenia,” stated freshman Valerya Sargsyan. Others are taking the class to be able to communicate with the Armenians in the community, “I have a few Armenians in my life and I would like to understand their native language,” said Arizmendez. 

The existence of Armenian language courses at the university has even played a part in the decision of some students to attend Fresno State. “I intentionally applied for Fresno State because I wanted to take the Armenian language courses,” stated Mickey Walkup, a junior, who is studying landscape architecture.

Although learning a new language in only two semesters might be a difficult goal to achieve, students seem to enjoy the fast-paced and engaging language classes. 

“Although the class is difficult, I enjoy finally taking a language where I’m learning, not just struggling,” said Walkup. To some, the Armenian language courses are among the best courses available at Fresno State. “The Armenian language course is by far one of the most informative classes offered at Fresno State,” concluded freshman Andrew Hagopian.

Beginning Armenian language courses are offered every Fall at Fresno State, with additional courses offered in Spring.