Western Neo-Aramaic

[aka Maalula, Maaloula, Siryon]

Classification: Afro-Asiatic

·

endangered

resource

Western Aramic, Syria documentary by Journeyman pictures

December 2008 In a remote village nestled in Syrias picturesque Oalamoun mountains, resides a small Aramaic community. It is one of the last and it is devoted to preserving Aramaic: the language that Jesus spoke. Protecting this 3000-year-old language has united Malulas residents: Christians and Muslims are like brothers in this town, says local resident Ibrahim Kamar. Whilst Mel Gibsons The Passion of Christ has revived interest in the language, fears that Aramaic is dying out continue. Malula, where the orphans must recite in Aramaic, is one of the last bastions for a language Mother Superior Savaf describes as a gift from God. Produced by ABC Australia Distributed by Journeyman Pictures

Journeyman pictures

Georges El-Howayek

Maaloula, Syria

Comments

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    Joseph Kouly 4293 days ago

    Hi, I think this project is a great one. Its to note though that Aramaic is not only spoken in Malula, but rather its the dialect of the Syriac ethnic group. This group though originates and exists in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Palastine, Jordan, yet now its spread accross the world due to immigration. This langauge although "indangered" i find it hard that it will be lost. You can contact me if you need any info about the Aramaic and Syriac language. Thanks, Joe Kouly joseph.kouly@gmail.com