Read the following poem and background information. Use them to answer questions 12 - 16. "The Armenian Language is the Home of the Armenian" by Moushegh Ishkhan

Question

13. How is the Armenian language used as a symbol for the idea of home?(3 points) Responses
-Speaking Armenian was banned, just like Armenians were banned from their home.
-The Armenian language is hard to learn, like the Armenian people are hard to know.
-The Armenian language provides feelings of comfort and safety, like a home.
-Every Armenian can speak the language, just like they can find their way home.

Answer 1

The poem "The Armenian Language is the Home of the Armenian" by Moushegh Ishkhan uses the Armenian language as a symbol for the idea of home in several ways.

1. Speaking Armenian was banned, just like Armenians were banned from their home. This suggests that the language is deeply intertwined with the concept of home for Armenians and that the prohibition of speaking it reflects the exile and displacement experienced by the Armenian people.

2. The Armenian language is hard to learn, like the Armenian people are hard to know. This comparison implies that the language, like the people, carries layers of complexity and history that may not be easily understood by outsiders. It indicates that mastering the language is key to truly understanding the Armenian culture and identity.

3. The Armenian language provides feelings of comfort and safety, like a home. This suggests that for Armenians, the language offers a sense of belonging and security, much like how a home provides a sense of refuge and familiarity. It emphasizes the emotional connection that Armenians have with their language as a source of comfort and identity.

4. Every Armenian can speak the language, just like they can find their way home. This line highlights the universality of the Armenian language among Armenians and its role in connecting them to their roots and heritage. It suggests that no matter where Armenians may find themselves, the language serves as a guiding force that leads them back to their cultural home.