Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
Staff Report
Armenian 1A, Elementary Armenian, is an introductory language course for students at Fresno State. The course, offered twice weekly, brings together students from diverse backgrounds to study the Armenian language. Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian has been teaching the course for thirty-eight years and is enthusiastic in bringing his passion for the language to his students.
Through the language courses offered by the Armenian Studies Program, 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.
Prof. Der Mugrdechian’s approach to teaching 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.
Two semesters of Armenian language courses are a core requirement for the Minor in Armenian Studies at Fresno State. More than thirty students are currently pursuing the Minor in Armenian Studies, the most ever in the history of the Program.
This Fall, twenty-two students are enrolled in the class and each has a different level of proficiency in Armenian.
Some speak the language fluently with their family and friends, but never learned to read Armenian. Others began the class knowing a few phrases, while some have had little to no Armenian language experience at all.
Students were interviewed in the middle of the semester and were asked about their reactions to the class.
Students were asked why they decided to take the Armenian language course at Fresno State. “I wanted to learn about a new language and get to know the culture,” said Guadalupe Frausto, a freshman majoring in Biology. Freshman Beverly Bonilla is taking the class because she wanted to “learn about new cultures and languages.”
Diana Rosales, a freshman criminology major, wanted to take the course because she had heard the language spoken, but always wanted to know what some of the words meant. Freshman Makayla Macedo took the Armenian course because “the language and culture caught my attention. … I have a friend that speaks Armenian, who is helping mean learn some of the new words.” Sophomore Alexis Medina enrolled because she has a friend who is Armenian, who encouraged to take the class.
The Armenian language course fulfills a General Education requirement for Fresno State students. Kellie Schneider, a freshman majoring in Business, wanted to take the course to fulfill a GE requirement and also because one of her best friends is Armenian.
Students have learned interesting facts about the Armenian language during the semester.
Jayla Moreno, a sophomore, has enjoyed learning about the Armenian alphabet and how it is both different, but also similar to the English alphabet. “The alphabet is the most interesting thing I have learned in class,” said junior Computer Science major Nathan Theng.
“Learning the alphabet has been very fun for me and I often will try to transcribe Armenian song-lyrics to practice writing,” said junior Jonathan Chardukian.
“The most interesting part in the course for me has been learning the Armenian alphabet. It is really interesting seeing how each beautiful letter represents a unique sound, and has a distinct name,” commented freshman Criminology major Rachel Yepremian.
Nazar Ekmekchyan, a freshman, found it interesting that “both the Western and Eastern Armenian letters are the same, but with different pronunciations.”
Each student has a different aspect of the language that they enjoy studying. “My favorite part of learning Armenian is learning to write. I like how the letters are drawn,” said Hrayr Kerkezian a junior studying Business Administration.
Freshman Vincent Markarian also likes the written Armenian, because “it looks so beautiful.”
Armand Karkazian, a junior Ag-Business major, likes reading the most. “[Reading] allows me to access Armenian songs, books, and the Bible in the Church.” Sophomore Aaron Rettig enjoys writing Armenian and enjoys the challenge of “trying to find the correct spelling and grammar to use in the sentences.”
Junior Psychology major Mia Daniels likes to speak Armenian the most because “it is fun to practice speaking outside of class. It is fun to practice speaking outside of class with friends and family.”
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 took the language class so that I can gain a closer connection to my culture,” said junior Mary Topoozian. “Being able to speak the language of my ancestors helps me feel more connected to my family and to my heritage.”
“I used to read and write as a kid,” said freshman Michael Adamyan. “But I forgot how to read and write while attending public school. I want to learn these skills again.”
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.