Nestled high up on the rugged mountainside is a little small Syrian village called Maaloula. This isn’t your average village, though, as it is actually one of the few places where the language of Jesus Christ is spoken daily.
The Language Of Jesus Christ
Known as Aramaic, it has existed almost from the beginning of human history. It is one of the Semitic languages, one of many ancient languages that stem from the regions of Africa and Asia.
Many believe that Aramaic is the language of Jesus Christ. It is known that the villages of Nazareth and Capernaum in Galilee, where Jesus Christ spent most of his time, were Aramaic-speaking communities.
How It Lives On In Maaloula
Now, in Maaloula, the language is spoken among its people. This village is home to two significant Christian monasteries that have guarded and maintained the linguistic heritage of the Aramaic language. Many of the religious services held in Maaloula are often conducted in Aramaic.
It is said that only a small community of 1,000 people speak Maaloula Arabic, especially because the village itself was the site of intense battles because of its religious significance.
Back in 2013, extremist groups occupied the village, destroying its sacred sites and infrastructure, looting, vandalizing, and burning churches and monasteries. As a result, most of its population fled.
Will The Language Cease To Exist?
With so few speaking the language, many believe it is at risk of extinction. Despite that, many efforts are being made to preserve and sustain the ancient language and promote it among younger generations.
