#modern languages

Assuming you know (which is why I’m asking). What do we actually call the native (key word) Semitic language of Assyrian people today?

I’ve heard it referred to by many names. Syriac, Neo-Aramaic, Assyrian, Assyrian Aramaic, Suryoyo, Turoyo, Surayt, Suret and many others.

Its all very confusing to me. Especially since I’m looking to learn the common native tongue spoken by Assyrians today (whether it’s called Syriac or whatever).

Do you know?

Sorry if this is a waste of time btw.

Hello! This may not be the answer you're looking for, but it's... all of the above.

There are two major modern languages descended from classical Aramaic, similar to how French and Spanish are descended from Latin. (Aramaic is the language that supplanted Akkadian in Mesopotamia, similar to how Akkadian supplanted Sumerian.) In the languages themselves, they are Suret and Turoyo. Suret, also called Assyrian (not to be confused with the Akkadian-speaking Assyrian Empire), Neo-Aramaic or Chaldean, is spoken in Iraq, Syria and neighboring countries. Turoyo is also called Surayt and is spoken predominantly in Syria and Turkey. Both languages also have a growing diaspora as many speakers have fled the region since the 2003 Iraq war and Syrian civil war. In addition, there are several smaller languages and dialects in the same grouping.

How we name a language is always a complicated question, and depends who's asking. If the goal is to match how the speakers themselves refer to their language, I believe (based on my reading - please correct me!) "Suret & Turoyo" is the best option, but this won't get you far in linguistics research or when looking for resources. Most languages have any of several ways to refer to them - think of how in English, German is called "German", but in German, it's "Deutsch" (not to mention "Tysk" in Danish, "Allemand" in French, etc!) And for languages with a layered and complicated history, like those of the Near and Middle East, these names can multiply manyfold.

my professor: "you scare me..."

me, in this semester's literature class: "my Arcadian name will be Medea"

my new professor: "you scare me..."

Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month Film Series at @CMU_DietrichHSS -Dolores