Biblical Aramaic and Related Dialects: An Introduction

by Edward Cook

Overview

Biblical Aramaic and Related Dialects is a comprehensive, introductory-level textbook for the acquisition of the language of the Old Testament and related dialects that were in use from the last few centuries BCE. Based on the latest research, it uses a method that guides students into knowledge of the language inductively, with selections taken from the Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and papyrus discoveries from ancient Egypt. The volume offers a comprehensive view of ancient Aramaic that enables students to progress to advanced levels with a solid grounding in historical grammar. Most up-to-date description of Aramaic in light of modern discoveries and methods. Provides more detail than previous textbooks. Includes comprehensive description of Biblical dialect, along with Aramaic of the Persian period and of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Guided readings begin with primary sources, enabling students learn the language by reading historical texts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108787888
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/29/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Edward Cook  is Ordinary Professor of Semitic Languages at the Catholic University of America, Washington DC. He is the author of several books, including The Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation (2005, with Martin Abegg and Michael Wise) and Dictionary of Qumran Aramaic (2015).

Table of Contents

1.  Introduction: Aramaic and its dialects; 2. Orthography; 3.  Phonology; 4 . Nouns and adjectives; 5. Pronouns; 6. Noun phrases; 7. Numerals and other quantifiers; 8. Adjective phrases; 9. Prepositions; 10. Verbs: derivation and inflection; 11. Tense, aspect, and mood in the verbal system; 12. Verb types: valence, voice, and aktionsart; 13. Adverbs; 14. Clauses; 15. Clause combining: combination; 16. Clause combining: subordination; 17. Discourse markers; 18. Reading guide for Biblical Aramaic and Related Dialects.

Editorial Reviews

‘… innovative, detailed, and pedagogically focussed … the descriptive grammar section is itself impressive, using modern linguistic methodology without being overly technical in its terminology. A particular highlight is the excellent treatment of aspects of Aramaic syntax.’ John F. Healey, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

‘… a significant contribution to the study of Aramaic dialectology in general, and the study of Biblical Aramaic in particular. It will be used with great profit by biblicists, Aramaists, and Semitists.’ Steven E. Fassberg, Orientalia

‘… this introductory grammar will bring students to a reading knowledge of these important texts, as well as others written in the same dialects, and enable them to move forward, well equipped, to more advanced study.' Dustin Burlet, Canadian-American Theological Review

From the Publisher