ABC book “Sasuntsi David” (in Eastern Armenian classical spelling)

The main purpose of the ABC book Sasuntsi David textbook is to develop reading, writing and speaking skills in the Armenian language. For many students in the Diaspora, the Armenian language is not their first language and it is necessary to teach Armenian as a second language. The uniqueness of this book is the author’s teaching method, which achieves fast results and which the student enjoys.

With 14 lessons, each of 2-3 hours duration, students achieve fluent reading and writing. At first, students familiarise themselves with words, absorbing the sounds of the letters, then learn the letters. In the process of writing new words by dictation they apply mental effort to remember the letters. The process of training for reading is similar: at first, students look at examples of the letters, then memorise them and success is guaranteed. Although this book is intended for learning reading and writing, it also influences the development of speech and enriches the vocabulary. In each lesson the students learn a large number of words and step by step their tongue gets «liberated».

Editor’s note
This book is the brainchild of two highly experienced educators: the author Karine Katanian and the translator Ruzanna Tatulian. It is a welcome addition to the increasing number of online and print resources aiming to teach the Armenian alphabet to those eager to take the first steps in learning the language. Sasuntsi David teaches the alphabet in manageable clusters of letter shapes, both in print and handwritten versions, together with their sounds. As new letters are introduced, they appear in writing and reading exercises together with letters previously learned by the students, thus allowing them to revise and consolidate their command of the alphabet. Sasuntsi David is a useful pictorial resource for students who wish to learn the unique Armenian alphabet, an easier task than would appear at first sight.

Dr Gagik Stepan-Sarkissian