MandäischAramäisch

Mandaic Aramaic is an Eastern Aramaic dialect that was historically spoken by the Mandaeans, a religious group primarily found in the southern regions of Iraq and Iran. It is the liturgical language of Mandaeism, a Gnostic religion that traces its origins to John the Baptist. Mandaic Aramaic is the only surviving member of the Aramaic language family that is still actively used, albeit by a dwindling number of speakers and primarily in religious contexts.

The Mandaeans have a rich body of religious texts written in Mandaic Aramaic, including the Ginza Rba (the Great Book) and the Sidra Rabba (the Great Book). These texts are essential for understanding Mandaean theology, cosmology, and rituals. The script used for Mandaic Aramaic is a unique alphabet derived from Aramaic scripts, characterized by its cursive nature and distinct letterforms.

While Mandaic Aramaic was once a vernacular language, its use as a spoken language has significantly declined due to displacement, assimilation, and the reduced number of Mandaeans. Efforts are underway by scholars and the Mandaean community to preserve and revitalize the language, focusing on its educational and religious significance. The study of Mandaic Aramaic provides valuable insights into the history of Aramaic languages, Gnosticism, and the cultural heritage of the Mandaean people.