AssyrischNeuAramäisch

Assyrisch-Neu-Aramäisch, commonly known as Assyrian Neo-Aramaic or Suret, is a modern Aramaic language spoken by Assyrian/Syriac communities in the Middle East and in diaspora communities around the world. It belongs to the Eastern branch of Neo-Aramaic, itself part of the Northwest Semitic subdivision of Afroasiatic languages. The language developed from medieval Aramaic and has diversified into several regional and community varieties over the centuries.

The principal dialects are Assyrian Neo-Aramaic (Suret), which is the most widespread among Assyrian communities; Chaldean Neo-Aramaic, spoken by Chaldean Christians primarily in Iraq and in diaspora communities; and related Central Neo-Aramaic varieties such as Turoyo. Dialect boundaries are fluid, and mutual intelligibility varies among speakers, especially across borders and generations.

Historically, Assyrisch-Neu-Aramäisch has been written in the Syriac script, using scripts such as Estrangela and Serto, with modern orthographies often employing the Latin alphabet for digital communication. In some regions and communities, variations in script include the use of Arabic script. The language remains strongly tied to liturgical practices in several Syriac churches, while also serving as a daily means of communication within families and communities.

Status and vitality vary by region and dialect. It is generally considered a minority language facing pressures from dominant national languages and diaspora linguae francae, but it is actively maintained through churches, cultural organizations, media, schools, and language transmission to younger generations in many communities.

See also: Neo-Aramaic languages, Syriac language, Assyrian people.