11-28-2008, 09:04 AM
Quote:I realize you are looking for a quote from before 100 years ago, that shows a definitive usage of Gawra to mean specifically "father" - when and if I do find run across an example, I will post it. All I have to give to you now is the testimony of a community that still asks for the "gawra" of the household (gawra de betha) when they knock on the door to request a girl's hand in marriage.
Assyrians on this forum like Karl, Lars & Sonia Lindgren, and others can tell you more.
Hello Yochanan,
As an Assyrian, I can vouch for shamasha Paul's example quoted above about the use of the word "gawra" in Aramaic meaning more than just a husband. In fact the example reminded me about the time when my female cousin got married several years ago. Her father had passed away a few years prior to her betrothal. When the time came for the boy's family to request for her hand in marriage knowing the fact that her father had passed away and that she had a mature brother (at that time 22 years old) they asked "mani leh gawra"? (who is the gawra) when there was a question as to whom they should address in their marriage proposal. The question they asked was in neo-Aramaic. Despite the fact that she had a 22 year old brother and a paternal uncle who were present at the gathering, it was agreed upon that another male relative of the girl who was the eldest of all her male relatives would speak on behalf of her deceased father and make a decision whether or not to accept the marriage proposal.