Conclusions

Abstract

Abstract This chapter draws together all the pieces of evidence presented in this book for a final analysis, reflection, and mise en garde. While the arguments presented thus far speak clearly in favour of the keystones of this book–a Parthian superstrate shift to Armenian, an elevation of the Parthian variety of Armenian to prestige status, coloured by syntactic Iranianisms created by pattern replication–this explanation is inevitably only a hypothesis, based on limited data, both linguistic and historical. It represents a reasoned approach to the question of the linguistic interaction between Iranians and Armenians, and suggests plausible solutions, but cannot claim to have the final word in this matter. On the contrary, it is but the first step in the more detailed consideration of the diachrony of Classical Armenian syntax.