In
2015 the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) released a series
of four full-color handouts, “Let’s Chat,” written in Armenian (both in
Armenian and Latin script) and English, intended as an aide for the
teaching of Armenian as a second language. The premise of the texts was
to bring together some of the core vocabulary needed for an elementary
conversation, fleshed out with appropriate short dialogues. The series
was very well-received by the schools under the jurisdiction of ANEC and
quickly went out-of-print.
Encouraged
by the success of this endeavor, ANEC undertook the preparation of a
24-page booklet along the same premises, incorporating and updating the
material of the handouts, and including new material under the following
titles: “Meet and Greet,” “Mood,” “What’s Going On,” “Greetings,”
“Congratulations,” “Courtesy,” “Who and Where,” “Numbers,” “Age,”
“Time,” “Days of the Week,” “Seasons of the Year,” “Months,” “Time
Information,” “Questions,” “Expressions,” “Weather,” “Comprehension,”
“Directions,” “Location,” “Home,” “Parts of the Body,” “Colors,”
“Travel.”
“While
‘Let’s Chat’ is primarily classroom material, it can also be used as a
phrase book,” Dr. Vartan Matiossian, ANEC Executive Director, remarked.
“We have tried to offer material that is both linguistically accurate
and visually enticing for the learner. Although the main target is an
Armenian as a second language class, the booklet can be also helpful in
other environments.”
“Let’s
Chat” has been published thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Aram
and Mrs. Seta Semerdjian. ANEC is currently working in the preparation
of a follow-up, as well as on an introductory text on Armenian history.
Copies of “Let’s Chat” may be ordered through the Armenian Prelacy bookstore by contacting the Bookstore by email (books@armenianprelacy.org) or phone (212-689-7810). The price is $10 plus shipping and handling.
