Do Armenians in Armenia Speak Kurdish?
For a country deeply rooted in its history and culture, Armenia hosts a rich tapestry of communities, each with its unique linguistic heritage. One such community is that of the Kurds and, to a lesser extent, the Yezidis, who share a common language that connects them to a broader Middle Eastern cultural and historical narrative. This article delves into the current state of the Kurdish language in Armenia and the societal context surrounding it.
Historical Context and Transboundary Relations
Armenia's complex history intersects with various ethnic and religious groups, including the Kurds. The relationship between Armenians and Kurds has been marked by both coexistence and conflict, building a foundation for potential linguistic interconnectedness. The tragic events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries have left a lasting impact on regional relations, deeply influencing the linguistic and cultural landscape of the region.
During the Ottoman rule, Kurds, particularly those from the Zagros Mountains, were granted permission to settle in Armenian lands in eastern Anatolia. This movement led to the Kurdish presence in areas like Van and parts of eastern Anatolia, where they gradually became a significant demographic. Over time, many villages and regions in these areas were dominated by Kurdish culture, although this transition was not without struggle and persecution of the local Armenian and Assyrian populations.
Current Landscape and Education
Despite the historical ties, the current state of the Kurdish language in Armenia is relatively limited. While some Kurds and Yezidis, who are predominantly present in certain settlements, have continued to pass on their language through community schools and university sections, the broader Armenian population does not widely use or speak Kurdish on a daily basis.
There are notable state-owned Kurdish/Yezidi schools in Armenia, primarily found in settlements with a significant Kurdish or Yezidi population. Additionally, Yerevan State University offers a Kurdish section within its Department of Oriental Languages. These educational institutions play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Kurdish language, ensuring its continued relevance for future generations.
Cultural and Religious Overlaps
Under the traditional Armenian cultural framework, Kurds and Yezidis were often seen as subgroups of the same language family, but with distinct religious practices. In the early 1990s, the Yezidi community in Armenia secured recognition from the Armenian government as a separate ethnic group, differentiated from Muslim Kurds. This recognition underscores the complex interplay of cultural, religious, and linguistic identities.
Today, while there is a very small community of Kurds in Armenia and a smaller community of Yezidis, whose language is also Kurdish, the language has not become widely spoken among the Armenian population. A few Kurds and their neighbors may know some Kurdish, but the majority of Armenians do not have extensive knowledge or use of the language in their everyday lives.
Conclusion
The existence of the Kurdish language in Armenia illustrates the intricate cultural dynamics at play in the region. While there are efforts to preserve and promote Kurdish through specialized schooling and university programs, the broader Armenian society has not adopted the language as part of its daily linguistic repertoire. The historical and social context of Armenia and its varied communities continues to shape the current linguistic landscape in the country.