“The English language is also common at the official meetings, but they are focused on Russian,” such observation is made by the Minister of Education, Armen Ashotyan, in the conversation with the journalists, referring to the fact of failing to provide Armenian translations at the meeting of Russian journalist Dmitry Kiselyov and the NA MPs. Mr. Ashotyan had expressed an opinion that the absence of Armenian language translation at the official meetings conducted in Russian is not a violation of the law, and yet made a remark to journalists for focusing of the Russian Federation and the Russian language. In this regard, in conversation with Aravot.am, “We are against reopening of Foreign Language Schools” Initiative Group member, Armen Hovhannisyan, disagreed, “First, Kiselyov’s meeting was organized in the National Assembly building, which unites the deputies, that is, people who should write laws and live by the Constitution, and serve as an example for us. One may speak Russian, however, the translation should be provided. Even the journalists are not required to know Russian, they can be repatriates, let’s say, from Iran. Who should compel them to learn Russian? No one. There is no need for it. Most importantly, all of the events that are not official or semi-official, people can talk whatever language you want, but if it comes to an official event, there should be a requirement for a simultaneous Armenian translation. We need to understand that even if there is a conference, representation expenses and many other minor expenses can be saved, but the simultaneous translation should be provided. If it becomes common in everywhere, we would be more respected, and turned a good eye at us, our language, and our statehood.” According to Armen Hovhannisyan, Armen Ashotyan personally is focused on the Russian language. “For him, there are differentiations in foreign languages. For intelligent people, there are Armenian and foreign languages, be it English, Russian, French, Chinese and so on. He is politicizing the issue, because he has certain preferences, also the language. Armenia’s intelligent citizens has one preference. It is the Armenian language.” In his speech, the Minister of Education and Sciences admitted that there are many conferences and seminars that are in English, and they are attended by government officials, however, simultaneous translation is not provided. To our question of how is responsible for ensuring the Armenian translation, Armen Hovhannisyan responded, “There is a State Language Inspectorate, a Ministry up to the president of Armenia, who is the guarantor of the Constitution. There is a whole system of law-abiding, and none of its components is functioning with regard to the language and other matters.” According to Mr. Hovhannisyan, the fact that the minister personally takes part in the Russian-language broadcast project «Что? Где? Когда?» (What? Where? When?) is a shame. “It cannot be justified by any standards. First, there is an entertainment program on air by our TV channel in a foreign language, secondly, our state officials are attending them and participate in a foreign language. It is a medical diagnosis for the entire system and these state officials.”
Photo from Armen Hovhannisyan’s Facebook page.
HripsimeJEBEJYAN
