11-24-2013, 09:07 PM
I don't think there was an Eastern or Western Aramaic dialect during first century AD. The unity of Aramaic "started" to weaken only after 106 AD when Roman Empire under Trajan controlled Provincia Arabia. But the turning points were the rise of Bar Kokhba in 131 AD and Bar Kokhba revolt (132-135 AD).
On the top of that, Josephus clearly states that he wrote Jewish Wars in the language of his country and sent to Upper Barbarians (Parthians, Babylonians, remotest Arabians) and they knew accurately about Jewish Wars through Josephus. We also have to consider the fact that Josephus was a Jewish Priest.
It is not just Israel, Lebanon, and Syria (Western Aramaic regions like memradya pointed out). But also Iraq regions (Babylonians), and Iran regions (Parthians). They knew accurately Jewish Wars through Josephus. So Aramaic in first century AD was just like English we speak today.
Aside from Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan, We also have to notice the fact that people came from beyond Jordan to see Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:24-25, Mark 3:7-8).
Charles, I want to point out that Dead Sea Scrolls should not be relied in terms of antiquity. There are severe criticisms against Dead Sea Scrolls. I also want to point out that I already pointed out the difference in accents in my previous post.
The difference between Galilean accent and Judean Accent was just like how Cockney sounds to a British Aristocrat. They were able to easily recognize a Galilean Accent. if I speak English with my Indian accent, then you can immediately recognize that I am an Indian.
You also have to notice the fact that one of top 3 zealot leaders during Jewish Wars (66-70 AD) was John of Gischala. He was from Galilee and he controlled outer court of the temple.
konway87
On the top of that, Josephus clearly states that he wrote Jewish Wars in the language of his country and sent to Upper Barbarians (Parthians, Babylonians, remotest Arabians) and they knew accurately about Jewish Wars through Josephus. We also have to consider the fact that Josephus was a Jewish Priest.
It is not just Israel, Lebanon, and Syria (Western Aramaic regions like memradya pointed out). But also Iraq regions (Babylonians), and Iran regions (Parthians). They knew accurately Jewish Wars through Josephus. So Aramaic in first century AD was just like English we speak today.
Aside from Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan, We also have to notice the fact that people came from beyond Jordan to see Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:24-25, Mark 3:7-8).
Charles, I want to point out that Dead Sea Scrolls should not be relied in terms of antiquity. There are severe criticisms against Dead Sea Scrolls. I also want to point out that I already pointed out the difference in accents in my previous post.
The difference between Galilean accent and Judean Accent was just like how Cockney sounds to a British Aristocrat. They were able to easily recognize a Galilean Accent. if I speak English with my Indian accent, then you can immediately recognize that I am an Indian.
You also have to notice the fact that one of top 3 zealot leaders during Jewish Wars (66-70 AD) was John of Gischala. He was from Galilee and he controlled outer court of the temple.
konway87