Summary
Armenia is a monoethnic Christian country surrounded predominantly by Muslim countries. Over the centuries, such a neighbourhood has established stable closed intra-communal relations. Among traditional forms of communication, close communication between neighbours deserves a special mention. Armenians are very hospitable people who often like to visit their neighbours and invite guests to their home. Important places to discuss key socio-political situations are the street, yard, and the central or main square of a city or village. As a rule, it is in such busy public places that the primary method of traditional communication is applied. It is not by chance that Republic Square, the central square in Armenia, became the concentration place of opposition forces and the change of power in the country.
The traditional communication channels are most pronounced in the cross-border regions. The lack of diverse sources of obtaining information from the media and the underdevelopment of the Internet infrastructure make people rely on face-to-face communication. As a rule, traditional communication takes place in markets, areas with the administrative offices of the village municipality or community, and village councils. Among the rural population, there is a set expression that characterizes this particular type of communication: “I’ll go to the rural council and find out what is happening in the world”. The main participants in traditional communication are the elderly; as a rule, they form the backbone of the population in the regions of Armenia. The difficult socio-economic situation in the republic forces young people and the employable population to leave for seasonal work or emigrate abroad for permanent residence.
Another important communication factor for Armenians is the cuisine and a nicely laid table. As a rule, people gather around the table to have the traditional dishes. All important issues related to politics, culture, socio-economic situation in the country are then discussed at the table. Interactions with friends and relatives traditionally include visiting each other on the New Year’s Eve, following days and Armenian Christmas, which is on 6 January. Traditional communication is enhanced by annual culinary festivals held in various regions of Armenia. Such events serve as a cultural platform for direct communication between the residents of these regions and visiting tourists from the capital and the diaspora representatives from around the world.