Assyrian: A Lost Language, a Living Culture

The ancient Assyrians, renowned for their vast empire and advanced civilizations, have left behind a legacy that continues to captivate scholars and history buffs alike. However, one aspect of their legacy that has long been shrouded in mystery is their language.
Assyrian, a member of the Semitic language family, was the lingua franca of the Assyrian Empire, which spanned from Anatolia to the Arabian Peninsula. Its use dates back to the early 2nd millennium BC, and it remained the official language of the region for over a thousand years. It was used for writing royal inscriptions, religious texts, and everyday communication.
The Assyrian language, much like the empire it helped to shape, met its demise in the 7th century BC. With the fall of the Assyrian capital Nineveh, the Assyrian language gradually faded into obscurity. However, it did not die entirely. It evolved into what is now known as Neo-Assyrian, a dialect spoken by the Assyrian Christian community in northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey. While Neo-Assyrian has retained some of its original grammar and vocabulary, it has also been heavily influenced by Syriac, the language in which the Peshitta, the standard version of the Syriac Bible, was written.
While the Assyrian language may have disappeared from the political and literary landscapes, it has continued to live on in the cultural and religious practices of the Assyrian people. The Assyrian Christian community has preserved the language in their liturgies, hymns, and prayers. The Assyrian Church of the East, one of the oldest Christian denominations, still uses Neo-Assyrian in its services, and it is taught as a liturgical language in Assyrian schools and seminaries.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in reviving the Assyrian language. This revival movement is driven by a desire to preserve the cultural heritage of the Assyrian people and to connect with their ancient roots. Assyrian language classes are being offered in universities and community centers, and there are efforts to create new resources and materials for learning the language.
The revival of the Assyrian language is not just about preserving a relic of the past. It is also about reclaiming a vital part of the Assyrian identity. For the Assyrian people, their language is not just a means of communication; it is a symbol of their history, their culture, and their faith.
If you are interested in learning more about the Assyrian language, there are several resources available online. The Assyrian Language Committee website provides a comprehensive overview of the language, its history, and its current status. The Assyrian Christian Council website offers information about Neo-Assyrian and its use in the liturgy. And the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has a digital archive of Assyrian texts, including a wealth of historical and religious documents.
So, if you've ever wondered about the lost language of the ancient Assyrians, now is your chance to discover its secrets. With a little effort, you can unlock the treasures of this ancient civilization and bring its language back to life.
Call to Action:
If you are an Assyrian, consider learning or teaching Neo-Assyrian. By doing so, you will be helping to preserve a vital part of your cultural heritage. If you are not Assyrian, consider supporting the efforts to revive the language by donating to organizations that are working to promote its use. Together, we can ensure that the Assyrian language continues to live on for generations to come.