What's in a word? If it's Syriac, its roots are probably Aramaic

Published: 2004-01-23

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- In some parts of Lebanon, people are discussing "ha-sho," the Syriac phrase for "the Passion," or Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of the Christ." Syriac, an ancient language still spoken in many parts of the world, is rich in history. Gibson's film, slated for release Feb. 25, uses Aramaic and Latin. Syriac is to Aramaic as Italian is to Latin. Aramaic -- the language spoken and written by Jesus -- is the base language for Syriac. Syriac evolved from the Aramaic language. Lebanese Maronite Father Paul Feghali said the Aramaic language began in the 10th century B.C. No one knows exactly where it originated, but most likely in northern Iraq, he said. The first Bible was written in Syriac in A.D.150, Father Feghali said. Aramaic was first spoken in Israel in the eighth century B.C. Today, neither the Aramaic nor Syriac languages are spoken in Israel, Father Feghali said.

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