An alternate theory suggests that speakers of Proto-Armenian were tribes indigenous to the northern Armenian highlands, such as the Hayasans, Diauehi or Etiuni. Although these groups are only known from references left by neighboring peoples (such as Hittites, Urartians, and Assyrians), Armenian etymologies have been proposed for their names.
A different theory proposes that the speakers of Proto-Armenian were indigenous tribes residing in the northern Armenian highlands, including the Hayasans, Diauehi or Etiuni. Although these groups are only known through accounts from neighboring peoples (Hittites, Urartians, and Assyrians), etymologies have been proposed for their names.