In reply to message #0
Shlama Laco, Hebrew (and Arabic) descend directly from Aramaic (Abraham, their Patriarch, was a Chaldean and Chaldeans were made up of 5 distinct Aramean tribes.) Therefore, there is much that is shared between these two descendents of Aramaic as well as between each and it's parent (Aramaic.) The relationship of Hebrew (and Arabic) to Aramaic is somewhat like the relationship of the Spanish spoken in Spain and the Spanish dialects spoken in the New World. Having said that, many centuries passed between the Aramaic world of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the time of Jesus. In particular, two distinct languages formed with heavy influence from their new neighbors. Aramaic also became influenced by it's neighbors - and changed over time. By the time of Christ, the Aramaic that was spoken would not be very familiar to Abraham. Hebrew and Arabic, by the time of Christ, shared a core structure, alphabet and prose with Aramaic - but little else. Therefore it would be wrong to say that they are 100% the same in regards to mentality and dynamics. They are not exactly the same - although they are about as close as three languages can get while still being considered different languages. Hebrew must be studied in and of itself, with occasional reference to it's parent, Aramaic, and it's neighbors (like Ugaritic.) Same goes for Arabic. Aramaic must be studied in and of itself with occasional reference to it's predecessors (like Akkadian), and it's neighbors (like Persian.) In cases where Aramaic was adopted (or, re-adopted) by other groups as a second language (like the Jews), then it must be studied with occasional reference to that group's original language. Also, any other languages which were used in the area, like Greek, Latin or Persian must at times be consulted. This is the case with the Galilean and Judean speech of the New Testament times. It's Aramaic, but with heavy doses of Hebrew, Greek, Latin and even a little bit of Persian. Which is exactly what we would expect it to be. Fk^rwbw 0ml4
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