What about being Armenian should you pass on to your children?

[Hyegirl]

What about being Armenian do you most want to pass on to your children or give to them to help them remain in some way Armenian?

[Mos]

Re: What about being Armenian should you pass on to your children?

The most important thing is language. Without language, it's much easier for children to assimilate and it's with language that you are able to connect more easily to other Armenians in Diaspora and Armenia. So if your kids grow up in foreign country, it's crucial that their first language be Armenian or else they won't know Armenian later on in life and assimilation will be pretty much inevitable. After language, comes culture, traditions, Armenian Christian faith, and so forth.

[Mher]

Re: What about being Armenian should you pass on to your children?

The most important thing is language. Without language, it's much easier for children to assimilate and it's with language that you are able to connect more easily to other Armenians in Diaspora and Armenia. So if your kids grow up in foreign country, it's crucial that their first language be Armenian or else they won't know Armenian later on in life and assimilation will be pretty much inevitable. After language, comes culture, traditions, Armenian Christian faith, and so forth.

Definitely!
by far most notable difference that I see between Diaspora in Middle where there was literally zero assimilation v. Diaspora in Russia/West where assimilation seems to be inevitable is language. I grew up in Iran and I never spoke a sentence of Farsi to another Armenian in my life. Hell I didn't know Farsi until I was about 5. Armenian kids grew up learning Armenian at home, speaking ONLY Armenian to each other, to parents/family, and to other Armenian adults. It was simply what was the norm.

Here in the US however, for kids speaking Armenian is almost a chore. The problem is compounded with siblings. At least with a single child, parents can dictate what get's spoken. It just takes a lot of effort, but it is doable. I have friends who were born here who speak as fluently as one can, and chose to speak it when with someone who wants to. I think the biggest block is getting kids to understand why its necessary

[Mos]

Re: What about being Armenian should you pass on to your children?

Definitely!
by far most notable difference that I see between Diaspora in Middle where there was literally zero assimilation v. Diaspora in Russia/West where assimilation seems to be inevitable is language. I grew up in Iran and I never spoke a sentence of Farsi to another Armenian in my life. Hell I didn't know Farsi until I was about 5. Armenian kids grew up learning Armenian at home, speaking ONLY Armenian to each other, to parents/family, and to other Armenian adults. It was simply what was the norm.

Here in the US however, for kids speaking Armenian is almost a chore. The problem is compounded with siblings. At least with a single child, parents can dictate what get's spoken. It just takes a lot of effort, but it is doable. I have friends who were born here who speak as fluently as one can, and chose to speak it when with someone who wants to. I think the biggest block is getting kids to understand why its necessary

Exactly. Plus in the Middle East, Armenians are constantly reminded that they are Armenian and non-Muslim. While in West (less so in Russia) it's easier to get accepted because of globalization and multiculturalism. Especially in immigrant countries like USA, the "melting pot" policy is hard at work so it's even harder. While it may be a "chore" to get the kids to speak only Armenian, it's an investment they will thank you in the future.

[jgk3]

Re: What about being Armenian should you pass on to your children?

Speak Armenian to them.