109-261 Beginners Syriac

This subject is an introduction to the Syriac language and its literature. It examines the vocabulary, syntax and accidence of Syriac and provides students with a reading knowledge of classical Syriac prose, referring particularly to translations of the New Testament into Syriac from Greek. Students should complete the subject with a reading knowledge of classical Syriac prose texts, in particular translations of the New Testament from Greek; and have an understanding of the place of Syriac in the family of Aramaic and the wider family of western Semitic languages.