14.04.2026/ Hay Azian / Nid.oragir
Հայաստան և Շոտլանդիա՝ համեմատական դիտանկյունից
Հայաստան և Շոտլանդիա՝ համեմատական դիտանկյունից
National Identity Transformation as a New Educational Challenge
Armenia and Scotland from a Comparative Perspective
A seminar-lecture on an interesting and vital topic, dedicated to changes in national identity as a new global educational challenge was recently held at the Faculty of European Languages and Communication of Yerevan State University,. The speaker was YSU Associate Professor Naira Gasparyan (PhD), who has more than four decades of research and teaching experience.The lecture focused on one of the most pressing issues of the modern world: how wars, displacements, globalization and global social-political changes transform people’s identities, and what role education plays in these changes.
Two Different Realities, One Common Problem
The uniqueness of the topic was that the study compared two, at first glance incomparable, countries: Armenia and Scotland. However, as it turned out, they are united by the same problem: the complex process of identity transformation.
In Armenia, as a result of wars and displacements, society is facing the task of restoration and the formation of a new identity. At the same time, the country is moving towards European and global integration, which is not always easy for society to accept.
In contrast, Scotland already has a multi-layered identity. Here, people often perceive themselves as Scottish, British and European at the same time. However, after Brexit, new tensions and uncertainties have arisen, which also affect the perception of identity.
If we compare, we can say that
• Armenia is “slowly and cautiously” moving towards Europe,
• Scotland is “reluctantly” moving away from it.
• Trauma is an educational reality.
The speaker paid special attention to an important circumstance - the impact of social trauma on education. Wars, losses and social upheavals not only change the psychological state of people, but also affect memory, attention and the ability to learn.
In Armenia, according to the presented data, a significant part of the population faces post-traumatic stress (PTSD) disorder and high anxiety. This means that traditional educational methods are often no longer effective.
In Scotland, the problem is different: here, the rapidly growing multicultural environment sometimes causes identity conflicts and “difficulty of belonging”, especially among minorities.
Naira Gasparyan is for a new model of education as a solution.
Dr. Gasparyan proposes a transformation of the education system based on “trauma-informed” pedagogy. This approach aims to create a safe and supportive environment where the learner can restore his or her inner balance.
The main principles of the proposed model are:
• Psychological safety
• Classrooms should become reliable and predictable environments.
• Learner autonomy
Giving the opportunity for small choices (for example, choosing the learning format) helps to overcome feelings of powerlessness.
Cognitive approach
Education should focus not only on the development of emotions, but also on the development of thinking.
• Cultural inclusiveness;
• Respect for different cultures and identities;
• Cooperation and dialogue.
Education should contribute to the restoration of trust and social ties.
Why is this important today?
This study is important because it shows that education is no longer simply a process of transferring knowledge. It has become a tool for social reconstruction, reinterpretation of identity and social consolidation.
This is especially relevant for Armenia, taking into account the post-war reality and the psychological state of society. And the example of Scotland shows what kind of challenges can arise in conditions of multi-layered identities.
The seminar-lecture was held in an atmosphere of active discussions, which once again demonstrated the importance and urgency of the topic.
Such initiatives not only enrich academic life, but also contribute to the dissemination of ideas that can have a real impact on the development of the educational system and society.
In an era of changes in national identity, education faces a new responsibility: not only to teach, but also to heal, unite and guide.


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