William Posted July 26, 2006 Report Share Posted July 26, 2006 I'm writing a novel with some Armenian characters, and have become utterly fascinated and obsessed with Armenians and their cultural past as well as their present situation as a people spread over many continents, with strong traditions and a capacity to fit in anywhere and be successful. I have always believed that people are basically the same, but as someone without a strong sense of my own family history or cultural background, I have become convinced that Armenians have something unique and profound to offer me as a write and a human being, and I hope to convey that sense to my readers someday. I have been doing lots of reading about Armenian history and culture, and have spent many long lunches with Father Mesrop of St. Vartan's Church in Oakland, but I feel like I'm still missing a lot in terms of what growing up in a Armenian family in North American is like. So wondered if I could ask some questions: What are the Armenian family nicknames or endearments that people in North America might still use? (Like, to use other examples, nana for grandmother, snuki for sweetie etc). The family I have in mind is a Western Armenian family; they moved from Turkey to Egypt, then on to North America. How important is the cultural and historical past to most Armenians living in North America? Is the Genocide (and whether it is officially recognized by countries like the USA or not) still very important to Armenians worldwide? How do they feel about Turkey as a nation now? What important aspect of Armenian family life (in North America or elsewhere) should non-Armenians know about? What were your favorite traditional Armenian dishes growing up? Least favorite? How might Armenians respond to a comic novel written by a non-Armenian that deals with Armenian characters? Are there areas where jokes are not appreciated? (I mean, apart from the Genocide, obviously, which I plan to deal with seriously, and which in fact forms a fairly large part of the novel's backstory.) Do Armenians identify with any other racial or national groups around the world? Are contemporary Armenians born in North America generally religious? How important are the ancient traditions of the Armenian church to people in the diaspora? Do Armenians in North America tend to seek certain kinds of jobs and avoid others? Do Armenians in North America pay close attention to life and politics in Armenia? Are there certain arts, fields or cultural genres that Armenians are especially attracted to? What key words (Armenian or English) do you associate with being Armenian, and why? What tempermental, intellectual, or emotional qualities do you associate with your fellow Armenians? Are there actions or sayings or attitudes that have struck you as being "typical" in some sense? Thanks in advance for any answers, insights or advice you might be able to give. I hope these questions don't strike you as impertinent or nosy. I'm still looking to learn as much as I can. I realize that I can probably glean a great deal by exploring the threads on this message board, but I don't like to feel like a "troll" so I thought I'd make myself known first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpa Posted July 26, 2006 Report Share Posted July 26, 2006 (edited) Velkam Vilyam. Here! How is that for Arminyun? Many here may pronounce the English W as V. Of course, again, many of us have, after so many centuries may have forgotten the fact we have the letter and the sound for W, the Armenian letter Hyun/Ւ. Of course. When one lives among Turks, who don't even have a rudimentary language of their own, and other savages for so long..... It is time that the likes of you, third party parodists show us the delightful parodies of our culture. We will respond to each of your questions in respective turn. Welcome to you, and much success to your project. Please don't cower and be intimidated to pull any punches even if some here may not find much humor in parodies of our culture. i.e. The day we learn to find humor in our culture will be the the first day, the beginning of our salvation. PS. Please dear William follow up and post your pariticular questiions, be they linguistic, cultiral or cuccinal (cuisinal)one at a time so we may respond in kind. Edited July 26, 2006 by Arpa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kakachik77 Posted July 26, 2006 Report Share Posted July 26, 2006 (edited) I think every Armenian will have a different opinion about these questions. But since you are only concentrating on Western Armenian, then your job is easier. By the way, Father Mesrop is an excellent source for this kind of research, I lived in Oakland myself and went to that church quite often on Spruce Street. Edited July 26, 2006 by kakachik77 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamavor Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 (edited) William, my advice to you is to visit this Forum on regular bases. You will find most of the answers to your questions right here, and I guarantee you after some time you will be totally Armenianized! Here is a favorite joke of mine just to warm up: Announcement by the Israeli radio: “We are pleased to announce that after 40 years of hard excavation work Israeli archeologists discovered a piece of copper cord underneath the ancient city of Jerusalem. This important artifact is an evidence that intelligent Hebrews were using telephone communications long before Bell’s discovery. A week later, an announcement by Radio Yerevan: “After 40 years of hard and enduring excavation work Armenian archeologist found… NOTHING underneath ancient Erebuni. This lead us to the conclusion that ancient Armenians were well aware of the wireless….” A good place to start your research is here: http://hyeforum.com/index.php?showtopic=37...=Armenian+radio Edited July 27, 2006 by gamavor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kakachik77 Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 you probably know, but Peter Balakian's "Black Dog of Fate" is an incredible autobiographical novel describing exactly what you're looking for. Another good book is Henri Verneil's "Mayrig" although this one deals with the French experience rather than American. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armine Barseghyan Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 (edited) you probably know, but Peter Balakian's "Black Dog of Fate" is an incredible autobiographical novel describing exactly what you're looking for. Another good book is Henri Verneil's "Mayrig" although this one deals with the French experience rather than American. Henri Verneuil also made the movie 'Mayrig'. How would you guys translate 'mayrig/mayrik' into English? Mayr is mother, but what about mayrig/mayrik? Edited July 28, 2006 by Armine Barseghyan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nairi Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 How would you guys translate 'mayrig/mayrik' into English? Mayr is mother, but what about mayrig/mayrik? Mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpa Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 Mom. Yes Nairi. I would have carried even a step further and make it more eandearing, if diminutive... mommy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanor Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 I'm writing a novel with some Armenian characters, and have become utterly fascinated and obsessed with Armenians and their cultural past as well as their present situation as a people spread over many continents, with strong traditions and a capacity to fit in anywhere and be successful. I have always believed that people are basically the same, but as someone without a strong sense of my own family history or cultural background, I have become convinced that Armenians have something unique and profound to offer me as a write and a human being, and I hope to convey that sense to my readers someday. I have been doing lots of reading about Armenian history and culture, and have spent many long lunches with Father Mesrop of St. Vartan's Church in Oakland, but I feel like I'm still missing a lot in terms of what growing up in a Armenian family in North American is like. So wondered if I could ask some questions: What are the Armenian family nicknames or endearments that people in North America might still use? (Like, to use other examples, nana for grandmother, snuki for sweetie etc). The family I have in mind is a Western Armenian family; they moved from Turkey to Egypt, then on to North America. How important is the cultural and historical past to most Armenians living in North America? Is the Genocide (and whether it is officially recognized by countries like the USA or not) still very important to Armenians worldwide? How do they feel about Turkey as a nation now? What important aspect of Armenian family life (in North America or elsewhere) should non-Armenians know about? What were your favorite traditional Armenian dishes growing up? Least favorite? How might Armenians respond to a comic novel written by a non-Armenian that deals with Armenian characters? Are there areas where jokes are not appreciated? (I mean, apart from the Genocide, obviously, which I plan to deal with seriously, and which in fact forms a fairly large part of the novel's backstory.) Do Armenians identify with any other racial or national groups around the world? Are contemporary Armenians born in North America generally religious? How important are the ancient traditions of the Armenian church to people in the diaspora? Do Armenians in North America tend to seek certain kinds of jobs and avoid others? Do Armenians in North America pay close attention to life and politics in Armenia? Are there certain arts, fields or cultural genres that Armenians are especially attracted to? What key words (Armenian or English) do you associate with being Armenian, and why? What tempermental, intellectual, or emotional qualities do you associate with your fellow Armenians? Are there actions or sayings or attitudes that have struck you as being "typical" in some sense? Thanks in advance for any answers, insights or advice you might be able to give. I hope these questions don't strike you as impertinent or nosy. I'm still looking to learn as much as I can. I realize that I can probably glean a great deal by exploring the threads on this message board, but I don't like to feel like a "troll" so I thought I'd make myself known first. Hello Williams, I was quite interested to read your message. I am quite happy that you know have the knowledge about Armenians. Some people around the world don't even know what Armenians are, and they even ask if I am Albanian when I say I am Armenian!. Armenians to my knowledge are quite reserved culture (well, don't know the younger generation than mine or depending where they live), quite family oriented, and also when an Armenian hears another Armenian talking someone in the middle of the street, will run to say hello and also invite for a dinner! Here in Wales very few people know who Armenians are. Bceause of that, very few of us who live hear as Armenian, try to make the Armenian Genocide known, so that way they do not miss anything about our history. I am not personally fanatic Armenian. What I mean by this, I am already married to a Greek man who is always willing to learn the good words in Armenian. Also loves the Armenian food and music. It would have been nice if there were more people here in Wales. I am quite interested how many Armenians are around North America...? Also, you have asked how emotional Armenians are. Well, as my own history, I know that Armenians are quite emotional, analitic people. We analyze from the deepest and yet we never get to understand even our own questions! If this is not making sense, I suppose I am thinking too deeply! And may be someone could help me out there.....????? NT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armine Barseghyan Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 Yes Nairi. I would have carried even a step further and make it more eandearing, if diminutive... mommy. thanks guys, my head must have been off, mom and/or mommy did not come to my mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moogey Posted September 11, 2006 Report Share Posted September 11, 2006 Hello Williams, I was quite interested to read your message. I am quite happy that you know have the knowledge about Armenians. Some people around the world don't even know what Armenians are, and they even ask if I am Albanian when I say I am Armenian!. Armenians to my knowledge are quite reserved culture (well, don't know the younger generation than mine or depending where they live), quite family oriented, and also when an Armenian hears another Armenian talking someone in the middle of the street, will run to say hello and also invite for a dinner! Here in Wales very few people know who Armenians are. Bceause of that, very few of us who live hear as Armenian, try to make the Armenian Genocide known, so that way they do not miss anything about our history. I am not personally fanatic Armenian. What I mean by this, I am already married to a Greek man who is always willing to learn the good words in Armenian. Also loves the Armenian food and music. It would have been nice if there were more people here in Wales. I am quite interested how many Armenians are around North America...? Also, you have asked how emotional Armenians are. Well, as my own history, I know that Armenians are quite emotional, analitic people. We analyze from the deepest and yet we never get to understand even our own questions! If this is not making sense, I suppose I am thinking too deeply! And may be someone could help me out there.....????? NT This is good, an Armenian in Wales, and married to a Greek. I'm sure you will find more Armenians in Wales. I live in Berkshire, UK, and am lucky to be able to travel easily to London, where most Armenians live. There are a few Armenians here, and we get together. We have found each other, thanks to a friend who contacts whoever happens to have a name ending in -ian and is perhaps mentioned in the local paper. Have you heard of the Armenian Centre? www.caia.org.uk I was married to an Englishman, and he was very interested in the food, the music etc. As for William, I wish you luck and please let us know when you finish your book We need more of you. For me, as for a lot of Armenians, the Genocide is very important, as it's part of our history that is being denied us. Like Nanor, I don't often mention the Genocide, as it becomes tedious for those listening. Sometimes, I feel like carrying a map of the region with me, so that when the question of my origins comes up I can show them where Armenia is. Then you also have to explain the history, as they all assume you come from Armenia proper, whereas my ancestors probably came from Turkey. It's sad to think that some of us don't know who our great grandparents were, what they did. Never mind, maybe it helps us to adapt more easily to our surroundings. It makes us more resilient. Another thing about Armenians - they tend on the whole to keep a low profile - shadows of what happened during World War I, passed on by parents and grandparents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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