To be able to read entries in old church and civil records is one of the first requisites for doing Armenian research. This chapter provides help for those who are not familiar with the archaic form of handwriting found in most of the old Armenian records. You do not have to know how to read everything; but you should be able to recognize certain essential words in print or handwriting to find your name-date-place information.
This chapter provides examples, explanations and comments on the following aspects of genealogy to help your research in Armenian records: 1) the Armenian alphabet, with Armenian and English pronunciation guides; 2) example of line placement of handwritten letters of the alphabet; 3) examples of handwitten variations of each letter of the alphabet; 4) copies of original Armenian baptism, birth, marriage and death documents, each one shown transcribed into Armenian print, transliterated into English equivalent, and translated into English; 5) list of words often found in research which are handy to know or be able to refer to; and 6) a list of given and last names (examples only of English spelling) to help you transliterate from Armenian to English...
The Armenian Alphabet and Script
Transliterate means to write or spell in corresponding characters of another alphabet. Examples of Armenian church records--birth\baptism, marriage and death--are provided to help you learn how to interpret ancient Armenian script by the process of transliteration.
The examples in this chapter are divided into four parts:
These examples provide practice in becoming acquainted with the diversity in handwriting, as well as the various formats used in the recording of records...Glossary of Armenian Words Found in Church and Civil Records
The glossary includes words pertaining to birth, marriage, death, families, relationships, locations, professions, time, etc., as found in the microfilmed Armenian records...
Armenian Names are listed as an aid to transliteration from Armenain into English.