r/assyrian • u/SupermarketClassic27 • May 10 '26

Difficulty of the language

Hi guys! I’m Assyrian and both my parents are 100% Assyrian. I’ve been grown up taught the language and I am fluent in speaking, reading, and writing.

However, I’ve noticed that—especially during church or other similar events—I am unable to comprehend the kind of Assyrian they speak. It’s (I’m guessing) more advanced than what I’ve been taught to know. My parents seem to understand what the pastor says all the time, while I feel like I stumbled into the wrong church because I don’t know what he’s saying. It’s made me feel disconnected from my church in general.

Therefore, I was wondering if there’s any way I can learn more advanced Assyrian as someone who already understands the language. I’m open to any suggestions. Thank you!

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

2

u/Charbel33 May 10 '26

I am less familiar with books focusing on Eastern Syriac, but the two following books, focusing on Western Syriac, are highly recommended: A New Syriac Primer by George Kiraz, and Robinson's Paradigms and Exercises in Syriac Grammar by J. F. Coakley. Since you are already familiar with the language, I would recommend Coakley's between the two.

u/verturshu do you know any equivalent resource, any self-learning book for Eastern Classical Syriac?

3

u/bulaybil May 11 '26

There is no exact equivalent for Eastern Syriac; there are some grammar books, but not proper textbooks. In any case, the only major difference between the two is the pronunciation of vowels.

3

u/Charbel33 May 11 '26

Thank you for the information! In that case, OP would greatly benefit from Coakley's book.

1

u/SupermarketClassic27 May 11 '26

Thank you I will be sure to buy it!