More than 30 experts discussed development and role of the Armenian language in the modern world at the event held today at the UN Armenia Office. Linguists, translators, editors, experts, civil society activists, students and journalists participated in this event, which was dedicated to the International Mother Language Day. The day is observed on February 21 as proclaimed by the UNESCO in 1999. The discussion was titled “Armenian language in the context of the modern world requirements: new terminology as a factor contributing to the development of language”. The key speakers who led the debate were Marine Hovyan, Deputy Chief of the National Inspectorate of Language, Narine Tukhikyan, Director of Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum, Hakob Avetikyan, Editor-in-chief of Azg Daily, Levon Galstyan, Deputy Director of Armenian Public TV. Maria Dotsenko, UN Department of Public Information Representative said: “UNDPI supports efforts aimed at preservation and promotion of Armenian language, which is among world ancient and linguistically rich languages. We contribute to its development by translation of various UN materials into Armenian, maintaining bilingual web site and working on the development of the comprehensive English-Armenian dictionary of international terminology.” “We must further increase awareness of the value of the world’s linguistic and cultural diversity. It is crucial to promote respect for linguistic and cultural rights, peaceful co-existence in multicultural societies and the preservation of our bio-cultural heritage” she added.

---