Language Amongst Armenians of Buenos Aires

Through sociolinguistic interviews and an ethnolinguistic survey, this study seeks to understand the role that the Armenian and Spanish languages play in the identity of Armenians living in Buenos Aires. The participants were asked about their proficiency and usage of each language, as well as their perception of their cultural background. The results are currently being analyzed using transcription tools like ELAN, Praat, and an ASR system. Preliminary findings show an importance placed in the use and education of the Armenian language, a linguistic and cultural divide between speakers of Eastern and Western varieties of Armenian, and trends of decreased heritage language proficiency and usage in later generations within the Armenian community.