Description: Lecture, three hours. Comprehensive examination of status of Armenian as heritage language in diasporic context. Introduction to diaspora, particularly in Armenian context, and to heritage languages and heritage learners. Review of development of modern standards of Armenian (Eastern and Western) and special circumstances for each variety in order to position Armenian on sociolinguistic map of heritage languages. Exploration of issues such as linguistic features of heritage speakers, patterns and domains of language use, psychological restraints (i.e., anxiety, fear, etc.) connected with speaking heritage languages, language attitudes with ideologies, and role of language in Armenian identity construction. P/NP or letter grading.

Units: 4.0