How to pronounce the Armenian alphabet (with audio)

The Armenian alphabet, also known as Aybuben, is a unique writing system with 39 letters. While it may seem daunting at first, mastering the pronunciation is key to unlocking the beauty and richness of the Armenian language. In some ways, pronunciation in the Armenian language is actually easier than it is English, because each of the vowels has one sound, irrespective of context. Here’s a breakdown to help you get started:

Vowels

ա (a): Pronounced as “ah” as in “father.”
ե (e/ye): Pronounced as “eh” as in “elephant” when found in the middle or end of a word, or “ye” as in “yellow” when found at the beginning of a word.
է (r): Pronounced as “eh” as in “elephant”.
Ի (i): Pronounced as “ih” as in “fit.”
n (o/vo): Pronounced as “oh” as in “hot”, when found in the middle or end of a word, or “vo” as in “volley” when found at the beginning of a word.
o (o): Pronounced as “oh” as in “hot”.
ու (u): Pronounced “ou” as in “would”
ը (ë): Pronounced “uh” as in “parade”

Consonants

Most consonants are pronounced similarly to their English counterparts. For example, “հ” is pronounced as “h” as in “help”, “լ” as “l” as in “lion”, and “յ” as “y” as in “yoyo”.
Some consonants have sounds not found in English:
- Ղ (gh): Pronounced as a voiced velar fricative, similar to the “ch” in Scottish “loch.”
- ց (ts): Pronounced as a alveolar aspirated affricate, similar to the “ts” in “cats.”
- ռ (rr): Pronounced as a voiced uvular trill, similar to a deep, guttural “r.”

Eastern Armenian alphabet pronunciation (with audio)

Western Armenian alphabet pronunciation (with audio)

Tips for correct Armenian pronunciation

Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how they pronounce words and try to imitate their intonation and rhythm.
Use online resources: There are many online dictionaries and pronunciation guides available that can help you hear the correct sounds. Or, sign up to Online Armenian School to start learning straight away.
Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your pronunciation.

Remember!

Consistency is key: The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the sounds of the Armenian alphabet.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language. Embrace the learning process and don’t be discouraged by setbacks.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the pronunciation of the Armenian alphabet and unlocking the beauty of the Armenian language.