What is Grabar and how was it used in Armenian literature?

Grabar, also known as Classical Armenian, is the literary language that emerged following the creation of the Armenian alphabet by St. Mesrop Mashtots in 405 CE.1

Initially used to translate the Bible, Grabar became the standard for Armenian literature, ushering in its golden age. Its role in literature and society included:1

• Standardization: It served as a uniform written medium that concealed the diverse dialectal variations of the spoken language.1
• Versatility: It was employed for a wide range of texts, including historical, theological, scientific, and practical everyday documents.1
• Formal Persistence: Despite a growing divergence from the spoken language starting around the 7th century, Grabar remained the language of formal high style well into the 19th century.1
• Modern Influence: Even after the development of the modern standard language, Ashkharhabar, Grabar continued to serve as a vital source for vocabulary, particularly when purging foreign loanwords from modern Eastern and Western Armenian.1