The Amazing Story of the Armenian Alphabet
The Armenian alphabet is more than just a set of letters—it’s a symbol of national pride, creativity, and history. For Armenian children, singing Ayb Ben Gim… (the first three letters) is a joyful way to learn their ABCs. But behind these letters lies an inspiring story that goes back over 1,600 years.
How the Armenian Alphabet Was Created
In the year 405 A.D., Armenia had already been a Christian country for a century. But there was no proper way to write the Armenian language, especially for translating the Bible. That’s when the king of Armenia, Vramshapuh, asked a respected scholar named Mesrop Mashtots to create a writing system. With help from Sahak Partev, the bishop of Armenia, Mashtots began his mission.
They traveled to places like Alexandria to study different alphabets and decided that the Greek alphabet was the most advanced at the time. Inspired by it, and with some help from Greek scholars, Mashtots and his team designed a completely new alphabet—one that matched the sounds of the Armenian language perfectly.
Why the Alphabet Is So Important
The creation of the Armenian alphabet changed everything. It allowed Armenians to read the Bible, write poetry, and preserve their culture—even during times of war, loss, and migration. Armenian children were taught the letters at home and in schools, and the alphabet became a powerful part of their identity.
Even today, most Armenians around the world continue to speak and write in Armenian—thanks to the alphabet that has connected them for centuries.
A Place to Visit: Matenadaran
If you ever visit Armenia, there’s one special place you should see: Matenadaran—a museum and research center that holds thousands of ancient Armenian manuscripts. These handwritten books show just how much Armenians value reading, learning, and preserving their language. It’s a magical way to explore history through beautiful letters.
Learn Armenian with Dinolingo
If your child is curious about the Armenian alphabet, Dinolingo makes learning fun and simple. Designed for ages 2 to 14, Dinolingo teaches the Armenian alphabet using songs, videos, games, and printable activities. Whether your child is a pre-reader or already learning words and phrases, Dinolingo helps every step of the way. With access on web, iOS, and Android, and tools like flashcards and a parent dashboard, families can enjoy learning Armenian at home or on the go.
Conclusion
The Armenian alphabet is one of a kind and its story is just as special. Created with care, studied with love, and passed down for generations, these 39 letters hold the key to a rich language and culture. And thanks to tools like Dinolingo, every child can explore the magic of Ayb Ben Gim and beyond.