Here's a breakdown:
* Modern Aramaic: Several dialects of Aramaic are spoken by small communities in various regions, primarily in the Middle East.
* Assyrian Neo-Aramaic: Spoken by Assyrians in northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and northern Iraq.
* Syriac: Used by various Christian communities, notably in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.
* Chaldean Neo-Aramaic: Primarily spoken by Chaldean Catholics in Iraq.
* Jewish Aramaic: Spoken by some Jewish communities, particularly in Israel.
* Literary Aramaic: Aramaic continues to be used in liturgical contexts, especially in some Christian churches. Syriac, in particular, is still used in religious texts and services.
Factors contributing to the decline of Aramaic:
* The rise of Arabic: With the spread of Islam, Arabic became the dominant language in many regions where Aramaic was previously spoken.
* Political and social factors: Persecution, displacement, and assimilation have contributed to the decline of Aramaic-speaking communities over time.
* The rise of modern languages: The adoption of English, French, or other modern languages has led to a decline in the use of Aramaic in many areas.
While Aramaic is not as widely spoken as it once was, it remains an important language in cultural and religious contexts. Efforts are being made to preserve and revive Aramaic, with language schools and organizations working to ensure its survival for future generations.