Want to know about the languages spoken in Armenia? If you’re curious or planning to visit, understanding the languages will help you connect with the culture.
You might be confused by all the different languages in Armenia, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’m here to help you. I know about the languages spoken in Armenia, and I’ll simply explain them.
In this article, we’ll talk about:
- The two main Armenian languages: Eastern and Western Armenian
- Russian, English, and other foreign languages
- Minority languages like Yazidi and Assyrian
Keep reading to learn more about the languages of Armenia!
By the end, you’ll understand the languages in Armenia and how they show the country’s rich culture.
Native Languages Spoken in Armenia
Armenian is the main language spoken in Armenia. It is also the official language of the country. This means it is used in schools, government, and the media. Armenian is the first language for most people in Armenia, and it plays a vital role in their culture.
The Armenian language has two main types: Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian. Both belong to the same language group but sound a little different.
1. Eastern Armenian
Eastern Armenian is the one most people use in Armenia, especially in schools, the government, and businesses.
Eastern Armenian is also spoken in Russia, Georgia, and Iran, but there are some small differences in how people speak. For example, Armenians in Iran use a few words that are different from those spoken in Armenia.
As many Armenians have moved to other countries, Eastern Armenian has become more common in places where only Western Armenian used to be spoken.
In 2018, Western Armenian got its language code, while Eastern Armenian kept the original code. Most of the Armenian Wikipedia is written in Eastern Armenian. Now, there is also a separate Wikipedia for Western Armenian.
2. Western Armenian
Western Armenian is one of the main languages spoken in Armenia. It is one of the two forms of Modern Armenian, with the other being Eastern Armenian. Western Armenian is based on the Istanbul dialect, while Eastern Armenian is based on the Yerevan dialect.
Before the 20th century, many types of Western Armenian were spoken in the Ottoman Empire, especially in Western Armenia. Some of these dialects, like Homshetsi and Kessab, are still spoken today.
The Karin dialect of Western Armenian is spoken in parts of Northern Armenia and Georgia, especially in Gyumri and surrounding towns.
Western Armenian is mostly spoken in countries outside Armenia. It is not the official language anywhere, and it is at risk of disappearing. In 2009, UNESCO listed Western Armenian as an endangered language on International Mother Language Day.
Once the main form of Armenian, Western Armenian was heavily affected by the Armenian genocide. Many speakers were killed or forced to leave, and those who moved to Eastern Armenia often speak Eastern Armenian today.
Foreign Languages Spoken in Armenia
These languages are spoken in Armenia due to historical, cultural, and economic influences. They are commonly used in business, education, and by younger generations exposed to global culture.
3. Russian
Russian is one of the languages spoken in Armenia. It became more common in the 1800s when the Russian Empire took control. Later, during Soviet times, it was used in schools, offices, and daily life.
After Armenia became independent, the focus returned to the Armenian language. Russian began to be seen more as a foreign language. Schools, government, and media started using Armenian more often.
Today, many people still speak Russian. It is a popular second language in the country. Russian is still spoken in Armenia and used in newspapers and TV programs.
4. English
English is one of the foreign languages spoken in Armenia. About 40% of the population knows basic English, while only 4% speak it well. In comparison, 24% of people in Armenia have advanced knowledge of Russian.
Since Armenia became independent in 1991, the use of English has grown. English education in schools has been accepted by many. A poll showed that 50% of Armenians support teaching English in public schools.
As of 2011, only 3.6% of people in Armenia speak English as a second language. This number is expected to grow in the future.
5. Other Foreign Languages
In Armenia, several foreign languages are spoken, including French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Armenia became a member of the Francophonie in 2012. The French University in Armenia (UFAR), founded in 2000, is the largest French university in a non-French-speaking country.
According to the 2011 census, 10,106 people speak French as a second language, with 10,056 of them being ethnic Armenians. German is spoken by 6,342 people, including 6,210 ethnic Armenians.
Persian is spoken by 4,396 people, with 4,352 ethnic Armenians. About 29,430 people speak other foreign languages, and 25,899 of them are ethnic Armenians.
Many Armenians also speak Azerbaijani as a second language. This is because 370,000 Armenian refugees, including those from the Nagorno-Karabakh War (1988–1994), came to Armenia. While the Armenian language is the first language in the country, foreign languages are also widely spoken.
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Minority Languages Spoken in Armenia
Minority languages in Armenia are spoken by ethnic groups within the country. These languages help preserve the cultural heritage of various communities in Armenia.
6. Yazidi
Yazidis are the largest ethnic minority in Armenia. They settled in the country mainly in the 19th and early 20th centuries to escape religious persecution by the Ottoman Empire.
While Yazidis were once counted as Kurds in Soviet censuses, they are now recognized as a separate ethnic group in Armenia. According to the 2022 census, around 31,079 Yazidis live in Armenia.
In the 2011 census, 33,509 people in Armenia spoke Yezidi Kurdish as their first language. Among them, 32,688 were ethnic Kurds, while 777 were ethnic Armenians. This is one of the minority languages spoken in Armenia.
7. Assyrian
Assyrian Neo-Aramaic is one of the minority languages spoken in Armenia. It is used by the Assyrian community, which consists of about 3,000 people. The 2011 Armenian Census reported that 2,769 Assyrians live in Armenia.
Among them, 2,402 speak Assyrian Neo-Aramaic as their first language. Most of the speakers, 2,265, are ethnic Assyrians, while 137 are from other ethnic backgrounds, including 125 ethnic Armenians.
Assyrian Neo-Aramaic adds to the variety of languages spoken in Armenia, alongside the Armenian language.
8. Ukrainian
According to the 2011 Armenian Census, there are 1,176 Ukrainians in Armenia. Of these, 733 people speak Ukrainian as their first language. Among the Ukrainian speakers, 606 are ethnic Ukrainians, and 127 are from other ethnic groups, including 106 ethnic Armenians. In Armenia, Ukrainian is spoken by some, alongside the Armenian language.
9. Greek
The Greek community in Armenia, which has around 1,176 members, mostly speaks Russian. However, many older members of the community continue to speak the Pontic Greek dialect as their first language.
The 2011 Armenian Census recorded 900 Greeks in Armenia. In the 1970s, the Greek population was around 6,000, but many moved to Greece after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
Greek is one of the minority languages spoken in Armenia. Though there aren’t many Greek speakers in the country, some older members of the Greek community still speak Pontic Greek, while others use Russian as their main language.
Languages Spoken in Armenia: A Recap
Languages spoken in Armenia reflect the country’s rich culture. The Armenian language is the official language and is used by most people daily. Many ethnic Armenians speak Armenian as their first language.
In addition to Armenian, many people in Armenia speak Russian, especially as a second language. Russian is important because of its history with the Soviet Union. Some people also speak other foreign languages, like English and French, mostly in cities.
The languages spoken in Armenia, including Armenian, Russian, and others, show how people communicate and connect. They represent the different communities in the country.