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🛑 Is Armenian in Danger? What You Should Know

Why Heritage Speakers Struggle with Reading Armenian

Most people think of endangered species, not endangered languages.
But Armenian—yes, Armenian—has been on that list for years.

So what does that mean, exactly? Is the language really vanishing? And if so… why isn’t anyone talking about it?

Let’s break it down.


📉 Western Armenian Is Endangered

UNESCO officially lists Western Armenian as an endangered language.

This is the branch spoken by most of the diaspora—especially descendants of genocide survivors in Lebanon, Syria, France, the U.S., and beyond.

Why is it disappearing?

  • Fewer native speakers
  • Assimilation in host countries
  • Lack of school systems teaching it
  • Generational silence post-genocide

In many families, it’s the grandparents who are fluent—and the grandkids who only know a word or two.


🇦🇲 Eastern Armenian Is Safer—But Not Safe

Eastern Armenian, the official language of Armenia, has more speakers and institutional support. But that doesn’t mean it’s thriving.

Challenges include:

  • Emigration from Armenia
  • Russian and English dominance in tech and media
  • Lack of accessible, modern learning tools

Young Armenians abroad are more likely to speak English or Russian than read an Armenian newspaper.


🌍 What Happens When a Language Dies?

It’s not just words that vanish.

When a language disappears, so does:

  • Cultural memory
  • Generational wisdom
  • Sacred traditions and unique worldviews

It’s a collapse of identity, history, and belonging.


✊ But Here’s the Good News: You Can Help

Language loss isn’t fate—it’s a trend. And trends can be reversed.

Every person who studies, teaches, or simply uses Armenian helps keep it alive. One word at a time.

Whether you’re a parent, student, or just curious about your roots, it’s not too late.

Be part of the comeback. Speak Armenian. Save Armenian. ❤️🇦🇲


Ready to start learning Armenian?(www.tunapp.com/get-started)

Tun Online Armenian School is available online to students in 30+ countries. Students can log in and learn Eastern or Western Armenian at a pace that suits them, and it features lessons, quizzes and interactive games to make learning fun.


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