Armenian community in Uzbekistan “loses” native tongue

PanARMENIAN.Net - About 75 000 Armenians live in Uzbekistan, of whom 30 000 reside in the capital, Tashkent. The Armenian community is engaged in cultural and public life of the country.

However, the community faces a range of problems, including preservation of the Armenian language, according to Sergey Andriasov, head of Armenian community in Uzbekistan.

As he told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, “Despite provision of Armenian language textbooks, the problem is pressing,” he said, adding that the main obstacle in proper teaching of the Armenian language is that it isn’t spoken in many of the families.

“The lack of textbooks and not practicing the language worsens the situation. In fact, children speak the language only in class,” Andriasov said.

Regarding the situation within the community, he pointed out Armenian population’s achievements, particularly the famous dance ensemble Urartu, state award winner. Cultural center “Arvest” and Sunday school are also operating.