Language/Armenian/Grammar/Expressing-Politeness

Armenian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Expressing Feelings and Emotions → Expressing Politeness

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on expressing politeness in Armenian! In this lesson, we will explore the various forms and usage of expressions used to convey politeness in the Armenian language. Politeness is an important aspect of communication in any language, as it helps to create a positive and respectful atmosphere in social interactions. By learning how to express politeness in Armenian, you will be able to navigate various social situations and build stronger relationships with Armenian speakers.

In this lesson, we will start by discussing the different ways of expressing politeness through various linguistic forms in Armenian. We will explore the use of honorifics, polite verbs, and other polite expressions. We will also cover the cultural aspects of politeness in Armenian society and provide you with interesting insights into the cultural practices and historical reasons behind the differences in expressing politeness. Lastly, we will provide you with exercises and practice scenarios to help you apply what you have learned and strengthen your understanding of expressing politeness in Armenian.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in expressing politeness in Armenian and will be able to use these expressions confidently in your conversations with native Armenian speakers.

Expressing Politeness in Armenian

Honorifics

In Armenian, honorifics are used to show respect and politeness towards someone. They are typically used when addressing individuals who are older, of higher social status, or in a position of authority. Honorifics can be used with both nouns and pronouns. Let's take a look at some examples:

Nouns

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
պարոն (paron)	/pɑˈron/	Mr.
հոր (hor)	/hor/	Mrs.
հունար (hunar)	/huˈnɑr/	Miss
վարորդ (varord)	/vɑˈrord/	driver
բանսարկող (bansarkogh)	/bɑnˈsɑrkoʁ/	banker

Pronouns

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
նա (na)	/nɑ/	he
նարնջավար (narnjavar)	/nɑɾnʤɑˈvɑɾ/	she
դու (du)	/du/	you (informal)
դուք (duk)	/dukʰ/	you (formal)
մենք (menkʰ)	/mɛŋkʰ/	we

Notice how the honorifics "պարոն" (paron), "հոր" (hor), and "հունար" (hunar) are used with the nouns "վարորդ" (varord) and "բանսարկող" (bansarkogh) to convey politeness and respect. Similarly, the honorifics "նարնջավար" (narnjavar), "դուք" (duk), and "մենք" (menkʰ) are used with the pronouns "նա" (na), "դու" (du), and "մենք" (menkʰ) to show politeness and respect.

Polite Verbs

In addition to honorifics, Armenian also has polite verb forms that are used to express politeness. These verb forms are used when addressing someone in a formal or respectful manner. Let's take a look at some examples:

Present Tense

In the present tense, the polite form of the verb is formed by adding the suffix "-եմ" ("-em") to the root of the verb. Here are a few examples:

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
գնեմ (gnem)	/ɡnɛm/	I go
գովեմ (govem)	/ɡoˈvɛm/	I eat
խնայեմ (khnayem)	/χnɑˈjɛm/	I sleep

Notice how the polite form of the verbs "գնեմ" (gnem), "գովեմ" (govem), and "խնայեմ" (khnayem) is formed by adding the suffix "-եմ" ("-em") to the verb roots. This polite form is used when addressing someone in a formal or respectful manner.

Past Tense

In the past tense, the polite form of the verb is formed by adding the suffix "-իցս" ("-itsʰ") to the root of the verb. Here are a few examples:

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
գնայիցս (gnayitsʰ)	/ɡnɑˈjit͡sʰ/	he went
գովայիցս (govayitsʰ)	/ɡoˈvɑjit͡sʰ/	he ate
խնայայիցս (khnayayitsʰ)	/χnɑˈjɑjit͡sʰ/	he slept

Here, the polite form of the verbs "գնայիցս" (gnayitsʰ), "գովայիցս" (govayitsʰ), and "խնայայիցս" (khnayayitsʰ) is formed by adding the suffix "-իցս" ("-itsʰ") to the verb roots. This polite form is used to address someone in a formal or respectful manner.

Other Polite Expressions

In addition to honorifics and polite verb forms, there are other expressions used to convey politeness in Armenian. Let's explore a few of them:

Polite Requests

When making a polite request in Armenian, it is common to use the phrase "խնդրում եմ" ("khndrum em") followed by the verb in the infinitive form. Here are a few examples:

• խնդրում եմ միքիչ դրվիրք տալիս։ (khndrum em mikʰi dɾvirkʰ tʰalis) - I kindly request a little more time.
• խնդրում եմ հարցում կատարել։ (khndrum em hɑɾt͡sʰum kɑtɑɾɛl) - I kindly request to ask a question.
• խնդրում եմ հատուկ հնարք տալիս։ (khndrum em hɑˈtʰukʰ hnɑɾkʰ tʰalis) - I kindly request a special favor.

By using the phrase "խնդրում եմ" ("khndrum em") before the request, you convey politeness and respect in your language.

Polite Apologies

When apologizing in a polite manner in Armenian, it is common to use the phrase "ներում եմ" ("nerum em") followed by the verb in the infinitive form. Here are a few examples:

• ներում եմ զգում ել։ (nerum em zɡum el) - I apologize for being late.
• ներում եմ չգտնվել։ (nerum em t͡ʃʰɡtʰunvɛl) - I apologize for not finding it.
• ներում եմ անհասկացել։ (nerum em ɑnhɑskat͡sʰɛl) - I apologize for not understanding.

Using the phrase "ներում եմ" ("nerum em") before the apology helps to convey politeness and sincerity in your words.

Cultural Insights

Armenian culture places a high value on politeness and respect in interpersonal communication. It is customary to address individuals with honorifics, especially when they are older or in a position of authority. The use of polite verb forms and other expressions to convey politeness is also deeply rooted in Armenian culture.

Armenians are known for their warm and hospitable nature, and showing politeness is an integral part of their cultural identity. When interacting with Armenians, it is important to use proper honorifics and polite expressions to demonstrate respect and build rapport.

In addition to linguistic expressions of politeness, Armenians also have cultural practices that emphasize politeness. For example, it is customary to greet others with a warm handshake and maintain eye contact during conversations. Saying "բարև" ("barev") or "բարև ձեզ" ("barev tzez") when greeting someone is a common practice in Armenia.

Armenians also place great importance on showing gratitude and expressing appreciation. Saying "շնորհակալ եմ" ("shnorhakal em") or "շնորհակալություն" ("shnorhakalutyun") to express thanks is a polite way to show appreciation in Armenian culture.

Practice Exercises

Now, let's put your knowledge of expressing politeness in Armenian to the test with some practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate expression to complete each sentence:

1. խնդրում եմ, դուք կարող եք թողնել իմ կանանց հետ։

  a) խնդրում եմ
  b) ներում եմ
  c) շնորհակալ եմ

2. ներում եմ, ես շարունակում եք աշխատել։

  a) ներում եմ
  b) խնդրում եմ
  c) շնորհակալ եմ

3. խնդրում եմ, կարող եք մի քանի րոպե սպասել։

  a) խնդրում եմ
  b) ներում եմ
  c) շնորհակալ եմ

4. շնորհակալություն, որ ժամը տարբերվեց։

  a) խնդրում եմ
  b) ներում եմ
  c) շնորհակալ եմ

Solution: 1. b) ներում եմ 2. a) ներում եմ 3. a) խնդրում եմ 4. c) շնորհակալ եմ

Explanation: 1. The phrase "ներում եմ" ("nerum em") is used to politely request someone to let you pass with your luggage. 2. The phrase "ներում եմ" ("nerum em") is used to apologize for continuing to work. 3. The phrase "խնդրում եմ" ("khndrum em") is used to politely request someone to wait for a few minutes. 4. The phrase "շնորհակալ եմ" ("shnorhakal em") is used to express gratitude for the time change.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the lesson on expressing politeness in Armenian. In this lesson, you learned about the various forms and usage of expressions used to convey politeness in the Armenian language. You explored honorifics, polite verb forms, and other polite expressions. You also gained insights into the cultural practices and historical reasons behind the importance of politeness in Armenian society.

Remember to practice using these expressions in your conversations with native Armenian speakers to strengthen your understanding and fluency. Politeness is an essential aspect of communication, and by expressing politeness in Armenian, you will be able to create positive and respectful interactions with others.

Keep up the great work, and continue to explore the rich and fascinating world of the Armenian language and culture!

Table of Contents - Armenian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Alphabet and Pronunciation

• Armenian Alphabet
• Pronunciation Rules

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-20
• Telling Time

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject-Verb-Object
• Yes/No Questions

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Gender and Plurals
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Adverbs of Time, Manner, and Place

  ---

Armenian Traditions and Customs

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

Sources

• EASTERN ARMENIAN FOR THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING WORLD

Other Lessons

• Attributive Participle
• The Locative Case
• Past Progressive Tense
• Future Indicative Tense
• The Ablative Case
• The Verb to Have
• Simple Past
• Comma and Colon Usage
• Prepositions
• Adjective Endings