PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Studies Program
Ingrid Peterson, Administrator
University of Michigan
1080 S. University, Suite 3633
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106
Phone: 734.763.0622; Fax: 734.763.4918
email: [email protected]
Where and How Did the Armenian Language Begin?
Lecture Explores the Origins of Armenian Language
ANN ARBOR, MICH., Feb. 17, 2010- Linguist and Manoogian-Simone
Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellow Hrach Martirosyan, addressed this
important question among others in his talk "Perspectives on the
Origin of Armenian Language and Culture" which took place at the
University of Michigan on January 25h, 2010. Martirosyan, who holds a
PhD from Leiden University, presented his lecture as part of the
University of Michigan’s Armenian Studies Public Lecture series.
Mr. Martirosyan’s fascinating work in comparative linguistics
gives him a unique perspective on the rise and development of Armenian
dialects throughout history. His talk emphasized the interrelated
nature of the Armenian lexical history and the lexical histories of
Indo-European languages from what are today Iran and India. Using a
variety of comparative and archeological sources, Martirosyan raised
questions about the role of historical Armenian linguistic forms in
drawing connections between languages today.
The lecture featured examples from contemporary standard forms
of Armenian as well as lesser known dialects. Challenging the long
held popular belief that Armenian stone carvings and the English
Stonehenge are related, he used modern comparative linguistics to by
show the etymological specificity of the Armenian terminology.
Historic studies in Armenian folklore were employed to draw
connections between Armenian language and culture with other
Indo-European groups. Video of this lecture is now available on the
Armenian Studies Program website-
Armenian Studies Program
The University of Michigan’s Armenian Studies Program promotes the
study of Armenian history, culture, and society. A member of the
University of Michigan International Institute, the program organizes
educational opportunities for students, faculty and the community.
For more information, contact the Armenian Studies Program at (734)
763-0622 or visit
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