Russian language and Russian studies in Armenia

This article analyzes the current functioning of the Russian language in Armenia within historical, cultural, and sociolinguistic contexts. Drawing on statistical data, demographic trends, and an overview of educational policies, the study explores factors influencing the status and spread of Russian in the republic - from Armenia's incorporation into the Russian Empire to the Soviet and post-Soviet periods. Special attention is given to changes in the Russian-speaking population, the role of Russian in education, scientific communication, and cultural life, as well as the impact of Russian immigration to Armenia in 2022-2023. The article examines the development of Russian philology in Armenia, including the activities of academic centers, the production of educational materials, university programs, and the participation of Armenian specialists of Russian philology in international scientific collaborations. The importance of Russian is highlighted as a tool for professional and intercultural communication, a resource for maintaining interethnic ties, and a means of accessing global scientific and educational spaces. The article concludes that Armenia has a balanced language policy in which the Russian language holds the status of the first among equals (among foreign languages), despite the lack of official status, due to societal motivation, the work of dedicated educators, and the academic potential of the local community of Russian language scholars.