Aramaic language

Aramaic

Region	Middle East
Language family	Afro-Asiatic
This language related article is a stub.

The Aramaic language is an ancient language that has been in use from the late 11th century BC to the present day. It belongs to the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family. Aramaic was originally spoken by the Arameans in the ancient region of Levant and later became widespread throughout the Middle East due to its use as a lingua franca during various historical periods.

History

Aramaic gained prominence during the Neo-Assyrian Empire, where it was adopted as the administrative and diplomatic language. It reached its zenith during the Achaemenid Empire, serving as the empire's official language and spreading as far as India and Egypt. Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Aramaic was gradually replaced by Koine Greek in many regions, although it remained important in local administrative and religious contexts.

In the Christian era, Aramaic continued to be important, particularly in the form of Syriac, a dialect that became a major literary language and was used in many Eastern Christian liturgies. The language has persisted in various dialects among small communities, particularly among the Assyrians and Chaldean Christians.

Dialects

Aramaic is divided into numerous dialects, which can be broadly categorized into Eastern, Western, and Central Aramaic. These dialects vary widely in their speech patterns and usage depending on the geographical and cultural contexts.

Writing System

The Aramaic language uses the Aramaic alphabet, which evolved from the Phoenician alphabet and became one of the most widely adopted writing systems in the ancient world. It is the precursor to numerous other alphabets, including the Hebrew alphabet and the Arabic script.

Modern Aramaic

Today, Aramaic is spoken in a number of small communities around the world, including in Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey, as well as in the diaspora communities in countries such as the United States and Sweden. These modern dialects are generally endangered, with communities often facing cultural and political pressures that threaten the survival of the language.

Cultural Significance

Aramaic holds significant historical and cultural importance. It is known for its extensive body of literature, including religious texts such as the Targums and the Peshitta, and has been used in religious rituals by various communities for centuries. The language's influence is also evident in the Quran, where several Aramaic words are present.

See Also

• Syriac language
• Neo-Aramaic languages
• Semitic languages
• History of the Middle East