Aramaic Languages (Ancient Aramaic, Syriac) B

Teacher(s)

Schmidt Andrea Barbara;

Language

French

Prerequisites

- For the level 1, none.
- For the level 2, the course LGLOR1642 (level 1).

Main themes

An initiation into Aramaic Languages (Ancient Aramaic, Syriac).
Alternately with LGLOR1641, this course gives an overview about the main historical and geographical features of the development of Aramaic languages and writing systems in the Middle East from the 1st millennium B.C. until pre-modern times. It focus in the first semester on Syriac-Aramaic language. The course deals with the different writings. The linguistic and syntax system will be refreshed by reading various texts (biblical, historical apocryphal, poesy). The use of basic lexical tools will be explained. In the 2nd semester, the course explains the alphabet, the morphology and syntactical system of ancient Aramaic. Simple vocalised texts will be read (parts from Daniel, Esdras et Targums) by use of the basic tools. Students have to do exercises for each course in Ancient and Syriac Aramaic in preparing the reading of texts.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of the course, the student will have acquired a better knowledge of ancient Aramaic and Syriac languages and literatures. He will be able to read, translate and analyze texts of simple and average difficulty.

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.

Bibliography

• Moodle

 - S. Brock et al. (ed.), The Hidden Pearl. The Syrian Orthodox Church and its Ancient Aramaic Heritage, vol. I et II, Roma 2001
- J.F. Healey, Leshono Suryoyo. First Studies in Syriac, Piscataway 2005;
- L. Costaz, Grammaire Syriaque, Beyrouth 1952  (réimpr. 1964);
- J. Payne Smith, A Compendious Syriac Dictionary, Oxford 1903 (plusieurs editions online)

Teaching materials

• Moodle

Faculty or entity

GLOR