Margaret Mead was one of the most influential and controversial anthropologists of the 20th century. She was also a prolific author and speaker who popularized anthropology in the mass media. She is best known for her studies of sexuality and culture in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, which challenged the conventional views of her time1
But did you know that she also had a fascination with the Armenian language and culture? In fact, she once proposed that Armenian could serve as an international language for the world.
This may sound surprising, but there are some reasons why Mead thought that Armenian was a good candidate for a global lingua franca. Here are some of them:
- Armenian is an ancient and rich language: Armenian is one of the oldest living languages in the world. It has a unique alphabet, grammar, and vocabulary that reflect its long and complex history. It has also preserved many words and expressions from other ancient languages, such as Persian, Greek, and Latin. Armenian is a language that can express a wide range of ideas, emotions, and nuances, making it suitable for communication and literature.
- Armenian is a neutral and independent language: Armenian is not affiliated with any major political or religious group, making it a neutral and independent language that can foster dialogue and cooperation among different nations and cultures. Armenian is also not influenced by any dominant language, such as English, French, or Russian, making it a distinctive and original language that can resist cultural imperialism and homogenization
- Armenian is a diverse and adaptable language: Armenian has two main dialects: Eastern and Western. Eastern Armenian is spoken in Armenia and the former Soviet Union, while Western Armenian is spoken in the diaspora, especially in Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and France. These dialects have different pronunciations, spellings, and vocabularies, but they are mutually intelligible and can be easily learned by speakers of either dialect. Armenian can also adapt to different contexts and situations, such as formal, informal, academic, or colloquial, making it a versatile and flexible language.
Of course, Mead’s proposal was not meant to be taken literally or seriously. She was well aware of the practical and political difficulties of implementing such a radical idea. She was also respectful of the diversity and beauty of other languages and cultures. She made the suggestion in the context of the United Nations International Co-operation Year in 1965, as a way of promoting intercultural understanding and peace
Mead had a personal connection to the Armenian language and culture, as she was married to an Armenian-American linguist, Gregory Bateson, from 1936 to 1950. They had a daughter, Mary Catherine Bateson, who is also an anthropologist and author. Mead learned some Armenian from her husband and his family, and visited Armenia in 1969. She was impressed by the resilience and creativity of the Armenian people, who had survived genocide, oppression, and exile.
Mead’s proposal may seem unrealistic or utopian, but it reflects her vision and passion for a more harmonious and diverse world. She believed that anthropology could help people appreciate and learn from other cultures, and overcome the barriers of prejudice and ignorance. She also believed that language was a powerful tool for communication and expression, and that learning a new language could open new horizons and perspectives.
Whether you agree or disagree with Mead’s proposal, you can still admire her curiosity and courage to explore new ideas and possibilities. You can also follow her example and try to learn more about the Armenian language and culture, or any other language and culture that interests you. You may discover something new and wonderful that will enrich your life and understanding of the world.
Margaret Mead – Wikipedia
The modern Armenian language exists in two literary forms – Eastern and …
[Armenian language – Wikipedia]
Armenian as the International Language – armeniapedia.org : [Margaret Mead and Armenia – The Armenian Weekly] : [Margaret Mead Quotes – BrainyQuote]
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