Some Basic Questions

[Mahdi]

Hi there,

As I said before in a very brief introduction on myself, I'm an Iranian and I planed to leave Iran in next weeks. My first step is your country, Hayastan. I know some things about your country, but there is much more things I'm interested in or I should to know. I have too many questions and it's a bit hard to manage them, but I'll do my best to organize them before ask.

The first thing is about names! In the international terms, your country official name is "Armenia". During to learn the history of Armenia, I found out that native people call the country "Hayastan" instead of "Armenia", which pointed to a hero of people. So, the question is where I should to say "Hayastan" and where "Armenia"? I'm not an Armenian, so is it ok to use "Hayastan" like you or it's a dedicated phrase to the native persons? Also in application forms (I mean which forms that will use inside of country and not supposed to be used as an international reference), I think we have to write down "Armenia", yes?

In a new country the hardest part is communicating with people. This is also the best part. There are plenty of excellent seconds waiting for new ones. Clearly, the Armenian language is the first choice and the most useful option. The Russian language is another good choice. I heard from many peoples that all Armenian people know Russian as well. About a week ago, some guy told me that's true but "younger people, may don't know Russian very good". As I can see in Armenian websites (like yours), there are many texts available in Russian and many persons preferred to write even their names in Russian alphabets instead of Armenian. So, the question is how many people know Russian language? Are younger people included?

Next question is about "public places and names". I mean street names, metro stations names, texts inside departments like banks, police office, etc. I find out a picture of metro map in Yerevan. The name of all stations was written in Armenian alphabets. Unfortunately I can't read all Armenian alphabets yet. For example I can read "komitas" in Russian alphabets, but reading this simple name is still hard to me in Armenian alphabets. My question is how many texts and names are available in English or Russian in Armenia, in public places? You know, I'm sure in first days I really can't read all names in Armenian and understanding even basic sentences! But, I like it! It's like to accidentally finding a time machine, wishing to go back to childhood days, and, wow! You have to start reading ABC books again!

About English, some people told me that I can't talk in English in the city, for example in shops or taxi. But, in offices and departments I can talk in English. Some another people told me, they have not any problem to communicating with people via English. So, which is wrong and which is right? As you can see my English isn't that good, but I could handle usual tasks via English. I know alphabets of Russian but the Russian language is really hard both to learn and to use. All people told me Armenian is much easier to learn and to use, but I'm really new and I don't think I could talk in next weeks!

The most important question to me, is about home! I will travel alone. I have not too much money, so I won't to be stay in hotel in first days to finding a good place to stay. As I'm not familiar with the country, I need another person near to me. I know that there are many homes and apartments available for rent in variety of place and price. But, I won't to be stay alone in an apartment. I tried to find a person who needs a roommate, but I didn't find any useful resource. The good news is that your country host many university students, including Iranians. The bad news is I don't know anything about them. So, is there anybody could tell me some thing about them? They live alone in apartments or they rent shared? Is there any place or any way that I could contact them? If I can't find any person interesting to shared place, so I have to rent an apartment entirely by myself. So, do you think its ok? Please keep in mind that I can't talk to others in most cases and I've never been in your country. Also I'm not just a tourist. I will stay at least 3-months and I have to handle myself like you.

Ok! That's too much for 2nd post!

Sorry for long text, and any help would be appreciated.

[Mahdi]

it seems I'm not a lucky guy

[Boyov_tgha]

I'll try to answer a few questions.

Armenia, Hayastan.... Call it whichever.

Everyone in Armenia knows Russian - some may speak very fluently, some not so fluently. But Russian is their second language.

English is spoken by less people, not a significant percentage of the population. Most younger people speak enough to understand the basics.

You may not find a roommate, unless you find some Iranians who are willing to share their place with you. Armenians themselves don't live with roommates; they're either married living with family, or single living with parents, or alone.

Hope I was able to help.

[Boyov_tgha]

Oh, yeah... As far as maps are concerned, you don't need one. Just limit yourself to traveling with Metro (it's very cheap) and you'll be able to enough Yerevan..

[Kars]

So, the question is where I should to say "Hayastan" and where "Armenia"?

Well, the answer is obvious here, Mahdi.

If you are speaking Armenian, you use “Hayastan”, if you are speaking English, etc., you use “Armenia”, if you are speaking Farsi, you use “Armenistan”, and so forth.

[Mahdi]

Both Boyov_tgha and Kars, Thank you so much guys!

Also some native armenian friend recommend me to use "viva cell" for cell phone and "inecobank" for opening bank account. both companies seems good at service. is there any other recommendations from you? what do you think about those companies?

again, thank you!