1. Identifying Your Goals:
* Which Aramaic dialect? There are several, including:
* Syriac: Used by the Assyrian Church of the East, and historically in ancient Mesopotamia.
* Western Aramaic: The dialect of Jesus, spoken in ancient Judea.
* Neo-Aramaic: Modern dialects spoken by various communities in Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.
* Learning level: Are you interested in basic conversational skills, a deeper understanding of the language, or studying the ancient texts?
2. Online Resources:
* Online Courses:
* Memrise: Offers a course for learning Modern Syriac.
* Duolingo: Plans to add Aramaic in the future.
* Udemy: Look for courses on specific Aramaic dialects.
* Apps:
* Babbel: May have courses for Modern Aramaic.
* LingoDeer: Plans to add Aramaic in the future.
* Websites:
* Aramaic.org: A comprehensive website with resources for learning various Aramaic dialects.
* Syriac Wikipedia: Good for vocabulary and basic information.
3. Offline Resources:
* Textbooks:
* "The Aramaic Bible" by George M. Lamsa (for Western Aramaic).
* "A Concise Syriac Grammar" by Sebastian Brock (for Syriac).
* Language Schools:
* The Syriac Institute in Chicago: Offers Syriac language courses.
* Other institutes: Check for local or online options.
* Local Communities:
* Syriac or Aramaic-speaking churches or communities: You might find language classes or tutors.
4. Additional Tips:
* Start with the basics: Focus on pronunciation, basic grammar, and common phrases.
* Practice regularly: Aim for consistent study sessions to build fluency.
* Immerse yourself: Watch movies, listen to music, or read books in Aramaic (if available).
* Find a language partner: Practice conversation with someone who speaks Aramaic.
* Be patient: Learning a new language takes time and dedication.
5. Important Notes:
* No single "Aramaic" language: Think of it like Romance languages – each dialect has its own features.
* Limited resources: Aramaic, especially the ancient forms, may have fewer resources than popular languages.
Good luck with your Aramaic journey!