One Language, Many Voices: Interactions between Eastern and Western Armenians in Budapest

Abstract

This work is a micro-level sociolinguistic study aimed at revealing the complex ways in which Armenian linguistic variants not only coexist but also dynamically influence one another through daily interactions. This research is based on semi-structured, narrative discourse and questionnaires conducted with Armenian and Armenian-diaspora students in Budapest. The object of the research is the language use of Armenian students from Lebanon and Syria, as well as from the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh/Arc‘ax (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic), who are living and studying in Budapest, Hungary. The study elucidates the unique challenges encountered by speakers of Eastern and Western Armenians as they engage with academic and cultural traditions, frequently using Arabic and Russian alongside Armenian. Through lexicological analysis, the paper shows how language interaction goes beyond mere communication, serving as a channel for cultural expression and exchange.

Writing this paper was especially meaningful to me because, beyond analyzing how students perceived and responded to this linguistic environment, I also was able to contribute my own perspective. Rather than merely being an external observer, I approached the study as an insider, a member of this community who comes from a slightly different cultural region and dialectal background.