Hi, and I apologize for butting in...
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).
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?
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.
yours, Brad Buchanan
P.S. I know some of these questions will be partly answered when I look at the other threads (like the one on food), but I thought I'd announce myself first, then start looking around. I don't like to feel like a troll.
[email protected]
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).
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?
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.
yours, Brad Buchanan
P.S. I know some of these questions will be partly answered when I look at the other threads (like the one on food), but I thought I'd announce myself first, then start looking around. I don't like to feel like a troll.
[email protected]
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