 The world-known Italian Federico Fellini noted: 'A different language is a different vision'. Studying the passed ways of two ancient nations, namely, Armenian and Greek, one can find common points: the historical tragic pages including the Genocide of Armenians in the Ottoman empire and the Genocide of Pontic Greeks, as well rich and wonderful cultures which have fostered the development of other cultures etc. I believe these historically predetermined common aspects build a base for almost the same vision, expressed during many centuries, when these two nations lived side by side. This makes the study of the Greek language more attractive and challenging.
Greek language teaching in Armenia
by Dr. Marina Mkhitaryan
On the 27th of June 2007 the president of Greece Karolos Papoulias, who was in Armenia by official visit, met with students of Alma Mater of Armenia. At the meeting he noted that : "Teaching the Greek language and the study of Greek literature speaks about Armenia's curiosity with respect to Greece. This is mutual".
Let us turn to the factual side of the issue. The Greek Library of Yerevan State University was inaugurated in 1999 during the official visit of the President of the Hellenic Republic Mr. K Stephanopoulos.
The Greek language is taught at the Hellenic Library. I had a chance to be present at one of these lessons while collecting material for my public lecture on the Greek Community of Armenia, which was held at the American University of Armenia in October, 2007. I took these photos with the curiosity of the Library's responsible Dr. Levon Hakobyan.
Greek Library at Yerevan State University
Greek language lesson at the Hellenic Library of Yerevan State University of Armenia.
The world-known Italian Federico Fellini noted: 'A different language is a different vision'. Studying the passed ways of two ancient nations, namely, Armenian and Greek, one can find common points: the historical tragic pages including the Genocide of Armenians in the Ottoman empire and the Genocide of Pontic Greeks, as well rich and wonderful cultures which have fostered the development of other cultures etc. I believe these historically predetermined common aspects build a base for almost the same vision, expressed during many centuries, when these two nations lived side by side. This makes the study of the Greek language more attractive and challenging.
As for Ancient Greek, it is taught at the Theological Department of YSU, at the Theological University in Holy Etchmiadzin. It is interesting to note that the Armenian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots in the 5th c. A. D. Before this, Armenians used the ancient Greek as well, for writing purposes.
When I learnt that Pontic Greek was a dialect of Ancient Greek, a language which I would joyfully hear my Pontic Greek mother using for many years, I began to realize a sweet memory of my childhood.
The second highest institution where the Greek language is taught, is the Brusov State Linguistic University. While preparing this material, I met with the Head of the Second Language Chair of this University Dr. Vladimir Stepanian. In 1998 the Greek language was taught as an elective course, in 2002 as a second language and since 2003 students can select the Greek language as a second specialization. The learning room has been equipped with the help of the Greek Government, and studying materials have been granted by the Greek Embassy in Armenia. The Greek language teachers have been trained in Greece. Successful students, who pass a special test, do a summer course in Greece to assist in language knowledge development.
Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Brusov
Some of these students are children who had graduated from schools which teach the Greek language. There are three such schools in Armenia, of which two apply the elective principle of Greek teaching. In the case of the third school, N 74, the Greek language is taught from the first grade. Children learn Greek songs and poems, and celebrate the national days of Greece. The Greek Party provides the studying material including books.
Yerevan school N 74
The photos have been provided by Mrs. Z. Spiridonova.
In relation to this article, it's relevant to quote the seventh article of the Agreement. between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Hellenic Republic on Cooperation in the Fields of Education, Culture and Science. This document entered into force on October 2, 1997.
Article 7
The Parties, acknowledging that broadening knowledge of the other country's language forms a significant factor of cooperation, will encourage the study and spreading of Greek language in Armenia and Armenian language in
Greece.
They will collaborate on the creation of favorable conditions aiming to the preservation of the native language, culture, and national traditions of citizens living permanently on their territories, of Greek and Armenian origin,
correspondingly.
So, let us turn to the teaching of the Greek language in the Greek Community of Armenia. According to the census of 2001, the number of Greeks living in Armenia comprises 1176 people. Almost 20 Greek language teachers broaden their activities in the Greek communities throughout Armenia. Adults as well as children of Greek origin are able to study their mother tongue.. These teachers have been trained in Greece, and every year a certain number of Greek children living in Armenia visit Greece for summer vacation, to rest and to strengthen their language knowledge. All studying materials are received from Greece.
Greek language lesson at the Greek Community of Vanadzor city
These photo have been provided by Mr. A. Xitarov
Children of Greek Community
of Vanadzor celebrating the National Day of Greece
Certainly, the Greek language teachers' training is an important issue. Everybody knows the famous saying of Alexander the Great: 'I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well'. I believe there is great responsibility on the Greek language teachers for our children, because there are various opportunities and challenges emerging due to the ongoing development of Armenian-Greek state relations. Strong and deep knowledge of the Greek language will give young people a greater scope to succeed.
I believe in the necessity of the Greek Language Chair, which will foster the coordination and co-operation of the Greek language teaching structure, and is a definite requirement over time.
I extend my special thanks for the above mentioned topics and discussion to the Attaché on Cultural issues of the Greek Embassy in Armenia Mr. Yannis Fourtoulakis and the Head of the Greek Union of Armenia Mr. Arkady Xitarov.
The author, Dr M. Mkhitaryan near the sculpture of Mesrop Mashtots, Creator of the Armenian alphabet. (Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia)
|
