Language
analysis
Փ (Pure) Language: The Positive, Negative and Neutral of Armenian Language Contact and the Reality of a Pure Language
H-Pem breaks its own long-form writing record with long-time contributor Hratch Demiurge and his analytical take on Armenian language purism. Demiurge is a comedian, poet, teacher, and translator of Daniel Varoujan's Pagan Songs (2019) and, along with his students, Hagop Baronian's My Ledger (2024).
Our platform is a space for people to exchange ideas, engage in dialogue, and reflect. Demiurge’s newest piece, Փ (Pure) Language: The Positive, Negative and Neutral of Armenian Language Contact and the Reality of a Pure Language, argues for a new paradigm of 'purism' and a new way of assessing the influence of foreign languages on Armenian. Read it now.
analysis
A brief introduction to Artsakh's culture: Part II – The Artsakh/Karabakh dialect
With the recent outbreak of war in Artsakh, it is now more essential than ever to learn about the history of Artsakh when trying to understand the intensifying situation. Conflicting reports are widespread, misinformation is prevalent, and individuals with suspicious motives are a constant threat in falsifying the history of Artsakh.
Through h-pem and its efforts to inspire young Armenians to learn and embrace the Armenian homeland and its culture, we provide our readers with a brief introduction into the culture of Artsakh, consisting of some essential “facts you should know.” This series is not intended to be exhaustive and we welcome any suggestions for additions you may have!
analysis
An Irish lesson on my Armenian identity
Language has always played a major component in our cultural identity as Armenians. But what do other communities have to say about this topic? We reflect on the experiences of the largest American ethnic group—the Irish—and, in doing so, find the commonalities in their struggle and the universal lessons we can take away from history
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What’s in a language? A guide to moving beyond shame and finding love in our mother tongue
As diasporans, we all know the drill: Speak Armenian, cook Armenian, marry Armenian—be as Armenian as you can in an unArmenian nation, so that our culture will not "disappear off the map." Being Armenian can, oftentimes, feel like a burden—but it does not have to be. If you’ve ever been scolded or made uncomfortable for not speaking Armenian, this guide will speak to you—in a welcoming, possibly therapeutic, way
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Armenian survival songs: Our story(ies) in rhyme and resistance
They say that music is the universal language, harmonizing humanity through the cadence of melody and the pulse of rhythm. Passed down through the centuries by storytellers, our folk songs have endured wars, migrations, genocide, and a host of other catastrophes, becoming the ultimate survivors of history. The new documentary, "Վերապրած երգեր | Survival Songs" tells the story of some of these songs through their children—our elders—and the importance of keeping them alive for following generations.
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Transparent Language Online: Become bilingual today
CEO of Transparent Language, Michael Quinlan, states, ”No language is so small that no one needs to learn it. If we could, we would provide learning material for all 7,000 languages in the world." This mantra has steered the company to become one of the world’s leading language-learning programs, offering over 100 languages in its vast arsenal, including Armenian!
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‘Lala & Ara’ and ‘Arti’: Bringing colorful language to a new whole dimension
This Christmas, consider the priceless gifts of language and script! Download the “Lala & Ara,” free and interactive mobile apps and experience our beautiful mother tongue and alphabet with the youngest members of your brood.
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AGBU Armenian Virtual College: The coolest online course you’ll ever take
The same year Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook, the world’s tech capital inspired another ingenious endeavor: AGBU’s Silicon Valley chapter set out to create the world’s first online Armenian language program. In true tech fashion, the result was a groundbreaking program, forever changing the game of Armenian language learning
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