Tag Archives: proverb

Proverb – Armenian

Nationality: American, Armenian
Age: 22
Occupation: Graduate Student
Residence: Los Angeles, CA/Phoenix, AZ
Performance Date: April 15, 2011
Primary Language: Armenian
Language: English

????? ??? ?????, ???? ????? ??????
Transliteration: Yerger shat gitem, bayts yergel chgitem
Translation: I know many songs, but I cannot sing

The informant was unsure about the meaning of this proverb, but said that her grandmother used to say it to her when she was younger.  She said it was usually used when her grandmother was criticizing her, and took it to describe things in life that she understands but is not a part of.  I agree with the informant, but I also think this proverb can be applied to a variety of situations.  I understand it to mean that no matter how much you think you can do something, you must actually do it to be sure.  To me, it seems to almost be a variation of, “practice what you preach,” with somewhat different connotations.  In other words, you can talk or explain or justify endlessly, but real experience and being proactive is what is needed.

Proverb – Armenian

Nationality: American, Armenian
Age: 22
Occupation: Graduate Student
Residence: Los Angeles, CA/Phoenix, AZ
Performance Date: April 15, 2011
Primary Language: Armenian
Language: English

???? ??? ??????, ????? ?? ??????
Transliteration: Achquh inch tesnar, sirtuh chi mornar
Translation: Whatever the eye sees, the heart won’t forget.

The informant was unsure about the meaning of this proverb, but said that her grandmother used to say it to her as a child, and usually when describing past experiences.  She assumes it has something to do with how experiences shape a person.  In my opinion, this proverb is attempting to explain how no matter how insignificant an experience seems, all experiences converge to create a unique perspective on life and the world.  Furthermore, even if exact instances or details of experiences are forgotten, emotions are never forgotten.  In some way or another, whether consciously or subconsciously, all experiences affect an individual.