The trailblazer in Armenian studies: International conference "Abegyan Readings" held at YSU

Linguist, literary scholar, Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, professor, academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR, and Honored Figure of Science of the Armenian SSR, Manuk Abeghyan, authored 200 works encompassing studies in nearly all areas of the Armenian language. These works pertain to Armenian orthography, phonology, lexicology, morphology, and versification.

He also studied Classical Armenian grammar, the language of folk literature written in Middle Armenian, compiled dictionaries, and more. Among his major linguistic monographs are Grammar of the Modern Armenian Language (Vagharshapat, 1906), Syntax of the Modern Armenian Language (Ejmiatsin, 1912), Theory of the Armenian Language (Yerevan, 1931, 1965), and Armenian Versification (Yerevan, 1933). M. Abeghyan also engaged in Armenian folklore studies, collecting, analyzing, and publishing numerous folk works. 

Hosting an international conference in honor of the linguist has become a distinctive tradition. At the fifth iteration of this conference, scholars, professors, and linguists from abroad, as well as representatives of Armenian universities and educational institutions, delivered presentations and reports—both in-person and online—presenting research dedicated to Manuk Abeghyan's scientific legacy and studies addressing current issues in modern linguistics. 

The conference was opened with a welcoming address by YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan. He highly praised Abeghyan's extensive scientific legacy and his role in the development of Armenian studies. 

"It is notable that at YSU a tradition has emerged of highlighting and honoring the legacy of Manuk Abeghyan. Through such scholarly events, we keep the memory of our eminent Armenian studies scholars and researchers alive, thereby passing on their literary and scientific heritage to younger generations. Endowed with profound analytical thinking, ironclad logical reasoning, and prolific diligence, the scholar made the Armenian language—especially literary Armenian—Armenian manuscripts of the Early and Middle Ages, and folk literature the focus of his studies, creating invaluable works that have permanently entered the golden treasury of Armenian studies," said Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, emphasizing Abeghyan's scholarly work and his influence on the development of Armenian intellectual thought.

The Dean of the Faculty of Armenian Philology at YSU, Arshaluys Galstyan, noted that two years ago, the fourth international conference titled "Abeghyan Readings" was held in the same hall, and today, thanks to the jubilee fifth conference, the spirit of Abeghyan once again permeates the university. Highlighting the importance of holding a conference dedicated to the linguist, the dean said, "Today, research reports will be presented, once again recognizing and honoring this great thinker, whose work is not confined to a single field."

The conference was also welcomed online by Abeghyan's grandson, Suren Abeghyan, who lives in Germany. He expressed gratitude to the organizers for keeping the memory of the great scholar alive and promoting the study and wider recognition of his scholarly legacy. 

"For me, it is a great honor to carry the Abeghyan surname. It is equally moving to represent our family at the international conference 'Abeghyan Readings', following the passing of my mother, Hasmik Abeghyan. I am immensely proud and happy that my grandfather is recognized for his extraordinary contributions. Although I am not a philologist, I am more than convinced that future generations will also highly value the heritage he left behind," said Suren Abeghyan, wishing all participants fruitful research and exciting discoveries.

The event served as an important platform for the exchange of scholarly ideas, highlighting the contemporary significance of Manuk Abeghyan's legacy and his irreplaceable place in the history of Armenian culture and linguistics.

Professor Anna Abajyan, Head of the Chair of the Armenian Language History and General Linguistics at the YSU Faculty of Armenian Philology, presented a lecture on the life and scholarly work of Manuk Abeghyan, a trailblazer in Armenian studies, highlighting his exceptional contribution to the study of the Armenian language, literature, and folklore. 

An online report was also delivered by Armenian studies scholar, translator, linguist, and Honorary Doctor of YSU, Professor Dora Sakanyan from McGill University, who presented Abeghyan's dissertation on Armenian folk beliefs and their reflection in Armenian proverbs and sayings.

The conference, which consisted of two sessions, was attended by academic staff, representatives of various universities and centers across the country, teachers, postgraduate students, doctoral candidates, students, and other guests.