YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is pleased to share that Lilit Ghazaryan (CTr ’25), admissions counselor at the University’s Admissions Office and a recent graduate of AUA’s Graduate Certificate in Translation (CTr) program has published her translation of Mark Twain’s critical piece “The War Prayer” in Granish Literary Journal.
Ghazaryan said she was inspired to translate the story because of its continued relevance in the region. “The relevance of this story to Armenian readers today is, unfortunately, as sharp as ever,” she remarked. “In a region marked by ongoing conflict, shifting allegiances, and the rhetoric of national struggle, Twain’s cautionary tale feels deeply contemporary. The questions he raises — about the human cost of war, the morality of the rationale for violence, the relationship between truth and comfort — resonate across cultures and histories.”
One of the greatest challenges in the translation process, Ghazaryan explained, was capturing the tone of the speaker’s monologue. “Twain crafts this passage with deliberate echoes of biblical prophecy, using elevated diction, solemn pacing, and archaic syntax,” she said. To reflect this, she chose to draw on the tone of the ancient Armenian Bible, using slightly archaic vocabulary and solemn phrasing “to convey a sense of awe, reverence, and moral gravity — without compromising clarity or fluency.”
The translation also reflects Ghazaryan’s broader interest in literature as a medium for social reflection. “I’m particularly drawn to works that challenge dominant narratives or unsettle easy moral conclusions. Translating such texts into Armenian feels like a way to contribute to ongoing conversations within our society about justice, truth, and collective responsibility,” she noted.
Ghazaryan also expressed her deep appreciation for the mentorship she received during her studies. “I am sincerely thankful to our CTr faculty for their continuous support throughout my studies. In particular, I want to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Shushan Avagyan and Davit Isajanyan for their guidance, encouragement, and expertise. Thanks to their valuable advice, the translation was done more professionally, which greatly enhanced the quality of my work. Their mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my academic journey and has significantly contributed to the development and enhancement of my translational research skills. I feel truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from such dedicated and inspiring professionals.”
In addition to faculty support, Ghazaryan benefited from peer mentorship through the AUA Alumni Mentorship Program. She met Heghine Aleksanyan (CTr ’21) through the initiative, and their collaboration directly influenced the project. Aleksanyan suggested translating Twain’s essay and provided thoughtful feedback throughout the process.
Looking ahead, Ghazaryan plans to continue her work in literary translation. “Coming from Artsakh, a land that is sacred to me and that we have unfortunately lost, these themes of loss, identity, and conflict resonate deeply with my personal experience,” she said. She is currently exploring future projects in short fiction and poetry that reflect on human experience, social justice, and the complexities of identity.
Through her work, Ghazaryan hopes to introduce Armenian readers to diverse literary voices and foster deeper cultural dialogue.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.