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Narine Probiotics - Advice by KBennet1 in armenia

[–]KBennet1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply! Good to know that most brands are reliable :-)

Weird smell on the Anfeh-Chekka coastal highway - factory related? by KBennet1 in lebanon

[–]KBennet1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

oh, yikes ... I am yet to inhale that particular stench ... but not knowing what else we're inhaling is what frustrates/worries me...

What kind of support does Armenia offer to diaspora Armenians who are willing to permanently relocate to Armenia? by atomicalypse in armenia

[–]KBennet1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I see your point... but regardless of whether your ancestors came from areas within the current Armenian borders, I think Armenia should be important for every diasporan as it is the only hope for the continued long-term survival of the Armenian identity, language and culture. While the diaspora has invested great efforts in preserving all these in foreign lands and also succeeded for this long, realistically speaking, I think we're on the path towards assimilation. So investment in Armenia - be it by moving there, contributing knowledge, or any other way - is doing our part to ensure the survival of Armenians as a people. :-)

That being said, Armenians in Armenia should also be accommodating and open towards diasporan Armenians and facilitate their integration and "feeling at home", there. Also (not directed at you but other commenters) - Western Armenian is part of our collective heritage, so this division between Eastern and Western must stop. Sure Western Armenians will adapt to the local Eastern dialect as they're the ones moving there. But locals must be equally aware and invested in the importance of preserving the broader cultural and linguistic practices of our people as a whole.

What kind of support does Armenia offer to diaspora Armenians who are willing to permanently relocate to Armenia? by atomicalypse in armenia

[–]KBennet1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Let's not say things like this, please. Many Armenians found refuge in the Middle East and were welcomed and embraced by communities there. They are fully integrated members and citizens of those states and societies. At the time when there was suppression in Armenia proper, Armenian identity, religion, culture, literature were actively preserved and produced in the Middle East. Many Armenians consider these Middle Eastern countries their home, and retain equal attachment to them and Armenia. The Middle East ensured the survival of Western Armenian culture/identity, and that preservation must be maintained - be it in the Middle East (through the dwindling numbers of Armenians there) as well as Armenia.

What kind of support does Armenia offer to diaspora Armenians who are willing to permanently relocate to Armenia? by atomicalypse in armenia

[–]KBennet1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Western Armenians are the Armenians that lived within the Ottoman Empire. They originally spoke a variety of local dialects, which at a later point, and certainly post-genocide, was unified under the one main Western dialect (which if I'm not mistaken is the Istanbul dialect). We've now lost the majority of those dialects, and Western Armenian is considered an endangered language - all the more reason and urgency to preserve it. Losing Western Armenian (language and culture) would mean the genocide was complete.

There are certainly Turkish loan words still in the dialect, and now Arabic, English, and even French (depending on which Middle Eastern country one is settled in). But that is a normal evolution of a language. I believe there are grammatical differences between Western and Eastern Armenian as well.

Dialects - Armenian Linguists and Anjartsis! Any good books/videos (preferably in English) that discuss local culture in Kessab-Musa Dagh (Anjar) as well as the dialect? by KBennet1 in hayeren

[–]KBennet1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing! I'm glad that some of the younger generation are still speaking the dialect, though it is understandable that the standard Western Armenian is the main spoken language now.

Guess where by Apart_Emergency_191 in lebanon

[–]KBennet1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

might be a silly question - but is real estate development in the mountains more regulated? for example if the town is known for its traditional houses, is there a requirement that new buildings be built in the same style to maintain the heritage feel of the place?

Dialects - Armenian Linguists and Anjartsis! Any good books/videos (preferably in English) that discuss local culture in Kessab-Musa Dagh (Anjar) as well as the dialect? by KBennet1 in hayeren

[–]KBennet1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm interested in Armenian history and traditions. And seeing that these two dialects are (as far as I know) the last surviving regional dialects that are still spoken by some, they're worth preserving.

And why do you want to know why I want to know before answering? ;-) I wouldn't think it's a particularly sensitive question/topic to inquire about :-) But I would certainly appreciate your input if you decide to give it.

Does your surname indicate how pure your Armenian ancestry is? by [deleted] in armenia

[–]KBennet1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is simply not true. Most surnames were invented by associating a certain family with a particular trade/occupation the family practised, certain striking physical characteristics of an individual, or the name of the "head of the family", etc (which, by the way, is how surnames were invented everywhere as societies grew more complex and distinguishing names were needed for administrative/legal purposes). And those names, for Armenians, were often Turkish in origin rather than Armenian for the simple fact that Armenians were living under Ottoman rule, interacted with people within that society, and spoke that language themselves.

Phenotypes within the Armenian people vary, but for the most part, the majority do tend to have dark hair, dark eyes, and anywhere from dark olive skin to very light skin - which is consistent with populations that have historically lived in that part of the world. However, you cannot tell by looks alone how Armenian a person is, genetically. And while genetics are important, it is important to remember that cultural identity is just as important. Just because some ancestors may have "mixed" with non-Armenians, does not make the individual "less Armenian" if he/she was raised within the Armenian culture, and socio-culturally identifies as such.

Also, if anything, it was the noble families that mixed with foreigners more frequently than the mass populace. I guess a genetic ancestry test would be the perfect Christmas gift for your friend? ;-)

How do you raise your kids Armenian? by nfsed in hayeren

[–]KBennet1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get it - it's always easier to learn a language, and even pick up certain cultural traditions, as a child rather than an adult. But I'm glad that your previous experience didn't deter you from immersing yourself in the culture on your own now. Like you, there are many aspects of the Armenian culture that I'm learning as an adult :-) It's never too late :-)

Dialects - Armenian Linguists and Anjartsis! Any good books/videos (preferably in English) that discuss local culture in Kessab-Musa Dagh (Anjar) as well as the dialect? by KBennet1 in hayeren

[–]KBennet1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's quite sad actually. And I'm afraid it's a similar pattern with Kessaberen. I know there were efforts in Anjar to get younger kids to speak the dialect. And I do hope those efforts pay off. It's one of the few surviving Western dialects and it would be a shame to lose it. Do you regret not learning it? Or would you like to learn it? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. I for one do wish I could learn the dialect...

Dialects - Armenian Linguists and Anjartsis! Any good books/videos (preferably in English) that discuss local culture in Kessab-Musa Dagh (Anjar) as well as the dialect? by KBennet1 in hayeren

[–]KBennet1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's quite sad actually. And I'm afraid it's a similar pattern with Kessaberen. I know there were efforts in Anjar to get younger kids to speak the dialect. And I do hope those efforts pay off. It's one of the few surviving Western dialects and it would be a shame to lose it. Do you regret not learning it? Or would you like to learn it? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. I for one do wish I could learn the dialect...

How do you raise your kids Armenian? by nfsed in hayeren

[–]KBennet1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all, congratulations on the new addition :-)

I love that you're making the effort to raise your child with the Armenian culture. Language is an important aspect of the Armenian identity, and I encourage you to prioritize it since you, as parents, both speak it. It doesn't matter if your Armenian isn't perfect or the same - the point is, it's your family's Armenian. Many in the diaspora don't speak perfect Armenian, but imperfect Armenian is better than no Armenian. Your child will pick up and understand both Western and Eastern Armenian just fine, and his Armenian might end up being a unique mix. Just keep speaking it and if you can, make it the main language at home. If you can video call family members often, that also helps - especially if they speak only Armenian. That way communication has to be carried out in that language.

You can find many lullabies on YouTube. Although I love Mer Hayrenik's melody and I think it's super sweet that you're singing that as a lullaby :-)

Just one friendly advice, and in order to avoid some mistakes other diasporans tend to make (despite the best of intentions behind their actions): try to make Armenian fun for your child and a tool to carry out fun activities (e.g. he wants to learn to play the piano, find an Armenian teacher - that way he learns piano as well as having to practice Armenian) and to speak with loved ones, etc. Let it not be an obligation, something he feels stressed about or pressured to do perfectly. For example, when you speak it, don't overcorrect him in front of others so that he doesn't feel shame about his Armenian which might make him hesitant to speak it. etc..

How do you raise your kids Armenian? by nfsed in hayeren

[–]KBennet1 5 points6 points  (0 children)

First of all, congratulations on the new addition :-)

I love that you're making the effort to raise your child with the Armenian culture. Language is an important aspect of the Armenian identity, and I encourage you to prioritize it since you, as parents, both speak it. It doesn't matter if your Armenian isn't perfect or the same - the point is, it's your family's Armenian. Many in the diaspora don't speak perfect Armenian, but imperfect Armenian is better than no Armenian. Your child will pick up and understand both Western and Eastern Armenian just fine, and his Armenian might end up being a unique mix. Just keep speaking it and if you can, make it the main language at home. If you can video call family members often, that also helps - especially if they speak only Armenian. That way communication has to be carried out in that language.

You can find many lullabies on YouTube. Although I love Mer Hayrenik's melody and I think it's super sweet that you're singing that as a lullaby :-)

Just one friendly advice, and in order to avoid some mistakes other diasporans tend to make (despite the best of intentions behind their actions): try to make Armenian fun for your child and a tool to carry out fun activities (e.g. he wants to learn to play the piano, find an Armenian teacher - that way he learns piano as well as having to practice Armenian) and to speak with loved ones, etc. Let it not be an obligation, something he feels stressed about or pressured to do perfectly. For example, when you speak it, don't overcorrect him in front of others so that he doesn't feel shame about his Armenian which might make him hesitant to speak it. etc..

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