Do you speak Armenian?

Students of foreign languages:

• Score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English.
• Display enhanced memory, listening and reading skills.
• Acquire a deeper understanding of their own culture.
• Demonstrate better complex problem solving.
• Are poised speakers in front of small or large groups.
• Exhibit accelerated cognitive brain development such as mental flexibility and creativity.
• Have opportunities for a greater number of career choices.

Language lessons, like other subjects can be even more successful with a little encouragement at home. Parents support is vital in ensuring success with a second language.

• Ask your child or teacher the topic they are learning in class and be part of it!
• Join your child! Sign-up for Armenian classes for adults if offered and available.
• Encourage your child to practice with you at home
• Ask your child to get his Armenian language book and read while you fix dinner or do chores.
• Ask your child to label items around the home with their foreign language equivalent.
• Expose your child to people with Armenian language and culture.
• Speak positively about the value of learning a second language.
• Provide videes, music and books in the language.
• Practice, practice, practice! Praise progress!

To increase greater success, it may be helpful that the parent who speaks fluent in Armenian speak Armenian consistently and diligently to the child, even if the child answers back in English.

• Ask other Armenian speaking families to cooperate with this strategy to ensure its success.
• Encourage the non-Armenian speaking spouse to take lessons or offer them resources.
• Work with the teacher and obtain transliteration so that the parents may be able to help with homework.
• Constantly expose children to Armenian music when in the car or at playtime.
• The Armenian speaking parent is encouraged to read Armenian stories and poems to reinforce the language.

Resources are available through the Diocese, via Kirikian Armenian School, or by asking Ani Capan.