An introduction to the grammar of the principal language of the Babylonian Talmud. Utilizes the inductive method, whereby grammar is learned directly as it is encountered in the text. The texts on which the manual is based are mainly non-legal, although legal texts are included in the later chapters of the book. Geared primarily for beginners in Talmud and Jewish studies, some knowledge of Hebrew is expected by the author.
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A concise introduction for the beginning student:
This text is a clear, concise introduction to the Aramaic of the Babylonian Talmud. While it is by no means a comprehensive manual of Aramaic grammar, it provides a gradual introduction to the syntax of the language, suited to a student who is beginning their study of Talmud. The lessons cover a digestible amount of material, and the inductive method of the text makes it easy to retain concepts as the chapters progress. The example texts used are interesting and lively, beginning with aggadic... more info
caveat emptor:
The study of Aramaic is a difficult thing, not merely because of the inherent toughness of the language, the lack of standarisation in spelling and grammar, and the wild dialectal varieties one finds; but also because grammatical and lexicographal aids are few and far between. For Biblical Aramaic, there is Rosenthal's useful little grammar; Stevenson's for Palestinian Aramaic is, despite its extravagant price, of no great help at all. David Marcus' A manual of Babylonian Jewish Aramaic takes the cake,... more info
