About the Journal

Journal of Oriental Studies has been published since 2006.

Journal is the successor of the  "Problems of Oriental Studies", proceedings of the interuniversity scholarly articles and "Oriental Collection" (2004)  published by the Ministry of Higher and Vocational Secondary Education of the Armenian SSR (1983-2004). 

JOS is an interdisciplinary and interregional academic journal edited by the Faculty of Oriental Studies of YSU. 

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Current Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Oriental Studies
View Vol. 28 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Oriental Studies
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46991/jos.2025.28.2
Published: 2025-12-21

Articles

  • Articles

    SEMANTIC AND SYNTACTIC ANALYSIS OF THE VERB جعل (JAʿALA)

    Meri Chplakhyan
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    Abstract

    This article examines the semantic and syntactic application of the verb جعل (jaʿala) based on data from Quranic texts and classical Arabic dictionaries. The analysis suggests the existence of several meanings for the verb جعل (jaʿala), encompassing creating, making, placing, imposing, naming, and other functions, depending on the number of objects the verb requires in a sentence. Generalizing the obtained data, the study concludes that the verb جعل (jaʿala) is used with the meaning of "to create" or "to make" when it requires one object, and sometimes appears as a tool for transformation or attribution when it requires two or more objects. This analysis is an important contribution to the grammatical and syntactic study of Arabic, allowing for a deeper understanding of those verses in the Quran where the verb is used.

    References

    BIBLIOGRAPHY

    1.ābn ʿqīl, ʿbd al-lh bn ʿbd al-rḥmn al-ʿqīlī al-hmdānī al-mṣrī, šrḥ abn ʿqīl ʿli al-fīẗ abn mālk, al-ǧzʾ 2, dār al-trāṯ – al-qāhrẗ, 2015 m

    2. ibn mnẓūr, lsān al-ʿrb, dār al-mʿārf, al-qāhrẗ, 1119 h.

    3.ʾabū isḥāq ibrāhīm bn al-srī al-zǧāǧ, mʿānī al-qrʾān wiʿrābh llzǧāǧ, ʿālm al-ktb, ǧzʾ 4, 1988 m

    4.ʾabū al-ḥsīn aḥmd bn fārs bn zkrīā al-qzwynī al-rāzī, mʿǧm mqāyis al-lġẗ, ǧzʾ 1, dār al-ǧīl, 1999m

    5.ʾabū al-qāsm mḥmūd bn ʿmr al-zmẖšrī, tfsīr al-kšāf, mktbẗ al-ʿbīkān, al-ṭbʿẗ al-ʾaūli, al-ǧzʾ 5, 1998 m

    6.ismāʿīl bn ḥmād al-ǧūhrī abū nṣr, al-ṣḥāḥ tāǧ al-lġẗ ūṣḥāḥ al-ʿrbīẗ, ǧzʾ 1, dār al-ʿlm llmlāyin, al-qāhrẗ, 1956m

    7.mǧmʿ al-lġẗ al-ʿrbīẗ, al-mʿǧm al-ūsīṭ, mktbẗ al-šrūq al-dūlīẗ, al-qāhrẗ

    8. mḥmd bn ʿbd al-lh al-zrkšī bdr al-dīn, al-brhān fī ʿlūm al-qrʾān, al-ǧzʾ al-rābʿ, dār aḥīāʾ al-ktb al-ʿrbīẗ ʿīsi al-bābī al-ḥlbī ūšrkāh, 1958 m

    9.mḥmd ʿlī abū al-ʿbās, al-iʿrāb al-mīsr, dār al-ṭlāʾiʿ, al-qāhrẗ

    10. Tafsir Ibn Kathir

    http://quran.ksu.edu.sa/tafseer/katheer/sura6-aya1.html(Accessed 15.06.2025

    https://quran.ksu.edu.sa/tafseer/katheer/sura6- aya25.html#katheer (Accessed 15.06.2025)

    https://quran.ksu.edu.sa/tafseer/katheer/sura16-aya15.html (Accessed 15.06.2025)

    11. Tafsir At-Tabari

    https://quran.ksu.edu.sa/tafseer/tabary/sura6-aya1.html#tabary (Accessed 15.06.2025)

    https://quran.ksu.edu.sa/tafseer/tabary/sura16-aya124.html#tabary (Accessed 15.06.2025)

    12. Tafsir Al-Qurtubi

    https://quran.ksu.edu.sa/tafseer/qortobi/sura6-aya1.html#qortobi (Accessed 15.06.2025)

    13. Tafsir Abu Hayyan

    https://quran-tafsir.net/hayyan/sura43-aya19.html (Accessed 15.06.2025)

    14. The prince Ghazi Trust for Quranic thought https://www.greattafsirs.com/Tafsir_Library.aspx?FromMainTafsir=1&MadhabNo=1&TafsirNo=2&SoraNo=21&AyahNo=15&LanguageID=1 (Accessed 15.06.2025)

  • Articles

    STANDARD PERSIAN LANGUAGE  PROFICIENCY TESTS FOR NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS

    Noonik Darbinian
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    Abstract

    This study examines Iran's national strategy for Persian language dissemination through standardized testing, focusing on the AMFA, AZFA, and particularly the SAMFA proficiency examinations. Situated within the border frameworks of language policy, corpus-based testing, and assessment theory, the paper explores the development, administration, and theoretical underpinnings of these tests. SAMFA, the most internationally recognized and academically aligned test, is analyzed in detail with reference to task design, linguistic content, and CEFR compatibility. Drawing on corpus linguistics (e.g. Peykareh), communicative competence models, and applied linguistic theory, the study reveals tensions between cultural authenticity and standardization. It highlights the structural and sociolinguistic particularities of Persian that complicate full alignment with Western testing frameworks such as the CEFR. Despite formal resemblance to international tests like IELTS, SAMFA remains a unique case of language assessment shaped by local norms, educational policy, and ideological imperatives. The findings contribute to the growing field of non-European language proficiency assessment and the challenges of global comparability in high-stakes language testing. 

    References

    1. Akbar A., Iran’s soft power in the Middle East via promotion of the soft power, Contemporary Politics, Tehran, 2023

    2. Bachman, L. F., & Palmer, A. S., Language testing in practice: Designing and developing useful language tests. Oxford University Press, 1996

    3. Canale, M., & Swain, M., Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to second language teaching and testing. Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 1980, 1–47.

    4. Douglas, D., Assessing languages for specific purposes. Cambridge University Press. 2000.

    5. Ghonsoli, B., “Designing and validation of Persian language proficiency test”. Foreign Language Research. No.57. 2010, pp .115-129.[In Persian]

    6. Mamghani, H., Validity and Reliability Assessment of Ministry of Science, Research and T echnology’ s Examination with the Intention of Achieving to a Skill Based Persian Language Proficiency test, 2011 [In Persian].

    7. Shagagi et. al., “Standardization of international Persian language proficiency test”. Pazand Publ. No.24-25, 2011, pp.87-99.[In Persian].

    8. Vakilifard. A., Planning and validating Persian language standard test (on the basis of four language skills), Jostarhaye Zabani, Tehran, 2020

  • Articles

    METHODOLOGICAL FEATURES OF TEACHING THE HISTORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY AT YSU

    Tatevik Hakobyan
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    Abstract

     

    The article deals with the content and methodological features of teaching the history of the Republic of Turkey at Yerevan State University. The structure of the course is analyzed within the framework of the "Turkology" and "Azerbaijani Studies" educational programs of the YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies, where the course "History of the Republic of Turkey" is the logical continuation of the courses "History of the Seljuk and Early Ottoman Periods" and "History of the Ottoman Empire." The teaching process combines traditional methods - lectures, seminars, testing assignments - with modern, student-centered approaches - debate, simulation-based learning, demonstration methods, as well as the use of visual and cartographic materials. Combination of these methods contributes to the formation of students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and research capabilities. An important component of the educational process's effectiveness is also the availability of an Armenian-language academic textbook, which ensures the scientific validity and in-depth understanding of the material being taught.

    References

    1. Ghazaryan A., Patmutyan ararkan, gortsaruytnery ev himnakan metodnery, Banber Bulletin of Yerevan University, Philosophy, Psychology, Yerevan, 2017, 3 (24), pp. 45-57.

    2. Turkology, Undergraduate educational program https://www.ysu.am/faculty/70/educational-program-423/specification (Accessed 18.05.2024)

    3. Yeprikyan A., Patmutyan dasavandman ardi metodnery ev tekhnologianery, Yerevan, 2021.

    4. Ghevondyan H., Patmutyan dasavandman metodika, Yerevan, 2001.

    5. Jyothish K․, International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, (2) (6), 2021․

    6. George E․, Engaging the Past: Action and Interaction in the History Classroom, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2024.

    7. Hovhannisyan H., Banavetchi tesutyun ev arvest. Pilisopayakan qnnakhosutyun, Yerevan, 2019.

    8. Parush A., Learning histories in simulation-based teaching: The effects on self-learning and transfer, Computers & Education 39(4), 2002 December, pp. 319-332 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/220139950_Learning_histories_in_simulation-based_teaching_The_effects_on_self-learning_and_transfer (Accessed 18.05.2025)

    9. Cackov O., Method of demonstration in teaching history, Contemporary education ‐ condition, challenges and perspectives, VI international scientific conference – proceeding book, Macedonia, 12 May 2018, pp. 174-178.

    10. Hasratyan M., Oreshkova S., Petrosyan Yu., Turkiayi patmutyan urvagtser, Yerevan, 1986.

    11. Safaryan A., Soghomonyan A., Loqmagyozyan S.,Turqereni dasagirq, Girq A., Yerevan, 2021, 326 p., Melqonyan R., Turqakan grakanutyan patmutyun (XX dari 20-akan tt․- XXI dari skizb), Yerevan, 2017. Movsisyan L., Adrbejanereni dasagirq, Yerevan, 2012.

    12. Sargsyan A., Safaryan A., Sahakyan L., Osmanereni dasagirq, Yerevan 2016.

    13. Bayburdyan V., Osmanyan kaysrutyan patmutyun, Yerevan, 2023.

    14. Safrastyan R., Melqonyan R., Dumanyan A., Ter-Matevosyan V., Chaqryan H., Hovhannisyan A., Turqiayi hanrapetutyan patmutyun, YSU Publ., Yerevan, 2014.

  • Articles

    FAILED DIALOGUE: THE 1988 GREEK-TURKISH DAVOS PROCESS IN THE SHADOW OF HISTORICAL TRAUMAS

    Rafik Khachatryan, Gagik Hambaryan
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    Abstract

    The meeting held in Davos in 1988 between Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou and Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal aimed to alleviate the long-standing tensions between the two countries. Its goal was to promote dialogue and reduce the likelihood of military and diplomatic clashes. Although initial optimism was evident, it quickly dissipated due to unresolved contradictions and deeply rooted historical issues. The Cyprus issue, minority rights, and disagreements over military balance in the Aegean Sea persisted, fueled by years of accumulated mistrust. Ultimately, the Davos process did not live up to expectations and is seen as a missed opportunity to overcome the historical burden.

    References

    1. The Official Website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Başlıca Ege Denizi Sorunları (Main Aegean Sea Issues), https://www.mfa.gov.tr/baslica-ege-denizi-sorunlari.tr.mfa (Accessed 29.07.2025)

    2. Melkonyan R., The Expulsion of Greeks from Istanbul in 1964, Vem, Yerevan, Issue 2 (62), 2018, pp. 177–194.

    3. Aydın M., Cacophony in the Aegean; Contemporary Turkish-Greek Relations, 1997, https://www.academia.edu/2692168/Cacophony_in_the_Aegean_Contemporary_Turkish_Greek_Relations (Accessed 29.07.2025)

    4. Heraclides A., The Essence of the Greek-Turkish Rivalry: National Narrative and Identity, LSE-Hellenic Observatory, 2011, https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/45693/1/GreeSE%20No51.pdf (Accessed 29.07.2025)

    5. Heraclides A., The Greek-Turkish Conflict in the Aegean: Imagined Enemies, Palgrave Macmillan, 2010.

    6. Kalaycıoğlu E., Turkish Dynamics Bridge Across Troubled Lands, Palgrave Macmillan, N. Y., 2005.

    7. The Greek-Turkish Conflict in the 1990s: Domestic and External Influences, edited by Constas D., Palgrave Macmillan, N. Y., 1991.

    8. Turkish Foreign Policy, 1919-2006: Facts and Analyses with Documents, edited by Baskın O., The University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, 2010.

    9. Turkish-Greek Relations: The Security Dilemma in the Aegean, Edited by Aydın M. and Ifantis K., Routledge, London and New York, 2004.

    10. Çelikkol O., Karabel S., Türkiye-Yunanistan İlişkileri ve Denizden Kaynaklanan Uluslararası Sorunlar Bilge Strateji, 9(16), 2017, 13-31 ss.

    11. Yılmaz E., Soğuk Savaş Sonrası Dönemde Türk-Yunan İlişkileri ve Ege Sorunu, Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 5(2), 2008, 27-44 ss.

    12. Yücel S., Ege’de Bitmeyen Sorunun Bir Unsuru Olarak Türk ve Yunan Karasuları e Ulusal Hava Sahaları, 83-102 ss. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/84523?fbclid=IwAR3zr35ekSsAwHm1zG2RxA6c36rqyuoF-cwmS6hyU31csCKY9VlJC3NeBXI (Accessed 29.07.2025)

  • Articles

    FROM MYTH TO SENSORIUM: RECASTING THE MARVEL IN CONTEMPORARY CHINESE NARRATIVE (MO YAN’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY)

    Natalie Gonchar-Khanjyan
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    Abstract

    The article examines Mo Yan’s poetics within the transnational trajectories of magical realism, marking the author’s 70th anniversary as a key context. It proposes to interpret Chinese “hallucinatory realism” as a localized form of magical realism grounded in corporeality and sensory experience. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of Wendy B. Faris, Amaryll B. Chanady, Mikhail Bakhtin, Jacques Lacan, and Paul Ricoeur, the study develops the concept of a poetics of corporeality, where the marvelous is embedded in the material and phenomenological world. Through close analysis of Mo Yan’s major novels – “Sandalwood Death”, “Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out”, “Frog”, “Pow!”, “The Republic of Wine”, and “Red Sorghum” – the article demonstrates that bodily sensoriality functions as a mediator between memory, history, and power. The marvelous is not detached from the real but naturalized within it, manifesting through theatricality, acoustics, gastronomy, and color. This research advances the idea of corporeal realism as a universal narrative model that expands magical realism beyond its Latin American origins. The study highlights Mo Yan’s contribution to world literature and underscores the significance of Chinese narrative experience for contemporary comparative literary studies.

    References

    1. Barmé G. R. China’s Flat Earth: History and 8 August 2008. The China Quarterly, 2009, pp. 64-86, https://chinaheritage.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Olympics-Opening.Published.pdf (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    2. Bhabha H. K. The Location of Culture. London; New York: Routledge, 1994. – 285 p., https://surl.li/acwzze (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    3. Bull. The New Yorker, 2012, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/11/26/bull-2 (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    4. Candido, Antônio. Recortes. São Paulo: Todavia Livros, 2024. – 338 p., https://ru.scribd.com/document/743618200/Recortes-Antonio-Candido (Accessed 05.10.2025).

    5. Chanady A. B. Magical Realism and the Fantastic: Resolved versus Unresolved Antinomy. New York: Garland Publishing, 1982. – 250 p., https://archive.org/details/Chanady1982/page/n7/mode/2up (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    6. Faris W. B. Ordinary Enchantments: Magical Realism and the Remystification of Narrative. Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press, 2004. – 254 p., https://surl.lu/jmsesr (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    7. Foreman P. G. Past-on Stories: History and the Magically Real, Morrison and Allende on Call. Feminist Studies, Vol. 18, No. 2 (Summer, 1992), pp. 369-388, https://surl.li/jphdxt (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    8. Foucault M. The History of Sexuality. Volume 1: An Introduction. Translated by R. Hurley. New York: Pantheon Books, 1978. – 168 p.

    9. Hart S. M., Ouyang W.-C. (eds.) A Companion to Magical Realism. Woodbridge; Rochester: Tamesis Books, 2005. – 304 p., https://ru.z-lib.fm/book/823265/228329/a-companion-to-magical-realism.html (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    10. Hatley P. Myths Die Hard: Parker Hatley reviews Gerald Martin’s updated translation of the Guatemalan novel “Men of Maize” by Miguel Ángel Asturias. Fiction Review. September 11, 2024, https://surl.li/qnuesh (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    11. Lacan J. Le Séminaire, Livre XI: Les quatre concepts fondamentaux de la psychanalyse. 1964, https://nosubject.com/images/0/0c/Seminaire_11.pdf (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    12. Li Zhiying. On the Development of Color Language in Zhang Yimou’s Films. Hangzhou: China Academy of Fine Arts, 2023, https://surl.li/himocb (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    13. Michael M. C. Angela Carter’s Nights at the Circus: An Engaged Feminism via Subversive Postmodern Strategies. / Contemporary Literature, Vol. 35, No. 3, (Autumn, 1994), pp. 492-521, https://www.jstor.org/stable/1208642 (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    14. Mo Yan. Frog. Translated by Goldblatt, 2014, https://surl.li/yszmlg (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    15. Mo Yan. Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out. Translated by Goldblatt, 2008, pp. 17–18; see also Goldblatt, 2008, https://surl.li/orvpsr (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    16. Mo Yan. Sandalwood Death. Translated by Goldblatt, 2013, https://surl.li/liusiy (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    17. Ricoeur P. Time and Narrative. Vol. 1. / Trans. by Kathleen McLaughlin & David Pellauer. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1984. – 312 p.

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    22. Tsai Y.-C. Tiffany. Cannibal Labyrinth: Narrative, Intertextuality, and Politics of Cannibalism in Mo Yan’s The Republic of Wine. / Modern Chinese Literature and Culture, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2020, pp. 230-276, https://www.jstor.org/stable/27032490?read-now=1&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    23. Warnes C., Sasser K. A. (eds.) Magical Realism and Literature. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, October 2020. – pp. 99-239, https://surl.li/sugnhi (Accessed 04.10.2025).

    24. Warnes C., Sasser K. A. (eds.) Magical Realism and the ‘Boom’ of the Latin American Novel. / In: Magical Realism and Literature. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, October 2020. – pp. 101-116, https://surl.lu/njasje (Accessed 04.10.2025).

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