On July 23, 2022, the first of a lecture series on the Anjar dialect was held at the S. Zeitlian Center in Anjar. It was organized by the Hamazkayin Anjar Chapter and the Musa Ler National Museum Committee.
Comrade Yesayi Havatian spoke. He referred to the dialect as “Our Jewel,” and said it was a storehouse of endless knowledge. He said the Anjar or Musa Dagh (Mount Musa) dialect is a very rich dialect that carries the influence of various languages; its structure indicates that it has history of over a thousand years. He based this assertion on the presence, in the dialect, of European words that came from the interactions between the Crusaders and the people of Musa Dagh. The speaker noted that the dialect stays alive if people use it and maintain their traditions. He said the Musa Dagh dialect is the only living dialect of Western Armenian.
The chairperson of the museum, Comrade Mesrob Kendirjian also spoke.
Messrs. Sarkis Khacher Shannazian and Bedros Aram Feslian participated in the program, telling stories in the Musa Dagh dialect.
The series will continue with various guests who will bring forth the good wishes, curses, and swearwords of the dialect. Everyone is welcome.
