Seminal Scholars Residency with Dr. Hrach Martirosyan
Launching a New Tradition
This fall, the USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies inaugurated its Seminal Scholars Residency with Dr. Hrach Martirosyan—one of the foremost linguists working on Armenian today. Throughout his residency, Dr. Martirosyan demonstrated how scholarship can both illuminate the past and engage new generations, leaving a lasting mark on USC and the wider community.
Lectures that Bridge Worlds
Dr. Martirosyan delivered public lectures in both Armenian and English, tracing the millennia-long history of Armenian as an Indo-European language and presenting linguistic evidence for the continuous Armenian presence in Artsakh and Syunik. These talks attracted audiences from across Los Angeles, situating Armenian Studies within global conversations about language, identity, and history.
Workshops that Invite Participation
Equally impactful were Dr. Martirosyan’s interactive workshops. Participants learned how to navigate Armenian etymological dictionaries—practical tools for students, educators, and heritage speakers. Another session examined taboos in Armenian linguistics, opening candid conversations about language and culture. Attendees ranged from USC undergraduates and graduate students to faculty, staff, and community members—including families who attended together, reflecting the intergenerational and interdisciplinary reach of the residency.
Scholarship in Community
Beyond lectures and workshops, Dr. Martirosyan held office hours and informal gatherings at the Institute, allowing students and colleagues to interact directly with a scholar whose research has shaped the field of Armenian linguistics. These conversations created moments of genuine exchange, turning the residency into more than a series of events—it became a shared intellectual and community experience.
Deliverables that Endure
Each Seminal Scholars Residency culminates in a lasting deliverable that extends beyond the scholar’s physical presence at USC. Dr. Martirosyan and Institute Director Dr. Shushan Karapetian recorded a special 10-episode season of Language Therapy with Dr. K in Armenian—a first for the Institute’s flagship podcast—tackling the biggest myths, questions, and misunderstandings surrounding the Armenian language. This groundbreaking series will launch in the coming months.
Dr. Martirosyan also joined Dr. Karapetian for an English-language episode of Language Therapy. Together they asked: What does it mean to call Armenian an Indo-European language? How do linguists prove such family ties? The conversation traced Armenian’s journey from its Indo-European roots to its modern dialects, revisited the origins of the field from Sir William Jones to Heinrich Hübschmann, and reflected on why this history matters for both Armenian speakers and the field of linguistics more broadly.
A Student Perspective
For Institute student worker Mihran Sahakyan, the residency was both academically and personally meaningful. From helping conceptualize the program with Dr. Karapetian to serving as associate producer for the special podcast season, Mihran experienced firsthand how a major scholarly initiative comes to life. “It was thrilling to have Dr. Martirosyan at the Institute,” he said. “What stood out most was his scientific objectivity—every claim is grounded in evidence. That approach not only enriched our understanding of Armenian but also modeled critical thinking at its best. Personally, I also built a meaningful relationship with Dr. Martirosyan, which is something I will carry with me for years to come.”
Looking Ahead
The Seminal Scholars Residency will continue to bring monumental scholars to USC, expanding the reach of Armenian Studies and creating lasting resources for both academic and community audiences. Dr. Martirosyan’s residency set a powerful precedent—one that will guide and inspire future residencies in the years ahead.
