Formation of the Characteristic Features of the Armenian Diaspora Culture in Ukraine

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to highlight the specific features of the Armenian diaspora culture, which were formed under the influence of new socio-cultural realities on the lands of Ukraine. Research methodology includes the methods of comparative analysis and synthesis, as well as historicity. Results. Over the centuries of the Armenians living on the lands of Ukraine, under the influence of local conditions an original culture was formed, which distinguished them from their compatriots both in their historical homeland and other diaspora Armenian associations in the world. The most significant transformations took place with Armenian names and surnames, in their spoken and literary language, as well as in the legal norms regulating the life of the Armenian colonies. In the process of social adaptation of Armenians to local conditions, their names and surnames changed in accordance with the laws of the dominant language in area of their residence: depending on the region of residence, it were Ukrainized, Polonized, Romanized, or Russified. In the XVI-XVII centuries Armenians of Ukraine created their original — the so-called the Armenian-Сumans language, which was used for conversation, conducting business papers and to writes literary works. Novelty of the research lies in the complex definition of new specific features that have appeared in the socio-cultural life of the Armenian colonies in Ukraine after centuries of existence in a foreign land. The practical significance. Knowledge of specific features of the Armenian culture in Ukraine is the basis for further study of the history of Armenian culture and it gives scientists the opportunity to perform the correct historical ethno-cultural identification of persons and artefacts.

Keywords

• вірмени
• діаспора
• культура
• мова
• ономастика
• право
• судочинство
• топоніміка