Chaldean Neo-Aramaic

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A language of Iraq

ISO 639-3
cld
Alternate Names
Chaldean, Fallani, Fellihi, Kaldaya, Kildani, Lishana Kaldaya, Modern Chaldean, Neo-Chaldean, Soorath, Soorith, Suras, Sureth
Population

100,000 in Iraq (1994 H. Mutzafi). Total users in all countries: 212,800.

Location

Contiguous with Assyrian Neo-Aramaic [aii] enclaves in Dahuk and Ninawa governorates.

Language Maps
Language Status

7 (Shifting). Recognized language (2005, Constitution, Article 4(1)), constitutional term: Syriac. Unevenly recognized except in Kurdistan Region.

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, Aramaic, Eastern, Central, Northeastern
Dialects

Mangesh, Alqosh, Tel Kepe, Tisqopa, Bartille, Shirnak-Chizre (Bohtan), Dihok. High intelligibility of Lishana Deni [lsd] and Ashirat [aii] (western dialect group of Assyrian Neo-Aramaic); little or no intelligibility with other Northeastern Aramaic varieties. A member of macrolanguage Syriac [syr].

Language Development
Grammar. NT: 2006.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chaldean Neo-Aramaic
Writing

Syriac script [Syrc].

Other Comments

Ethnic group distinct religiously from other Northeastern Aramaic varieties; separated from the Assyrian in 16th century. The names Chaldean and Assyrian sometimes used in a popular sense to include both groups. Originally located in central western and northern Iraqi Kurdistan and some in bordering Turkey. Christian.

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