HISTORICAL MEMORY AS A MANIFESTATION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY IN THE WORKS OF W. SAROYAN, J. HASHYAN

Armenian-American English-speaking writers often turn to historical memory aiming at maintaining national identity without forgetting the pastthis is the preserved present, the spiritual potential of the people, the continuity of the ethnos. Historical memory preserves people‘s national consciousness and selfconsciousness. Its role is especially great in such situations that threaten the nation. We frequently turn to history on how to behave in our days, and it gives us a clear answer. The most important component of identity of each nation is its historical memory. Armenian writers who spoke in foreign countries portrayed the history of their nation, their family and their humankind in order not to assimilate with foreign people, by preserving the consciousness of identity on the national level. In their works W. Saroyan, J. Hashyan emphasized the historical past, national spirit and sense of dignity as important traits that make up the basis of national identity. W. Saroyan gave importance to the unique national mentality, character, preservation of national traditions and customs. J. Hashyan focuses attention on the power of Armenians to withstand the bitterness of life, the formation of a generational reserve of national consciousness, the preservation of a strong family as a battle for the survival of the nation. On the basis of data reflecting the relationship between the Armenian and Turkish peoples of the late 19th - early 20th centuries, American Armenians presented the historical perspective of the Armenian people in their works.