The Native Syriac Linguistic Tradition: Resources Ancient and Modern

The native Syriac linguistic tradition comprises annotations to the biblical text (‘masorah’), lexica, and grammars created between the 6th and 13th centuries; 24 Syriac scholars are known by name. Syriac grammarians have been considered to be mere imitators, of both Greek and Arab grammarians, but this is a severe exaggeration; they were, however, the source of much that is found among the Arabs. The first, Jacob of Edessa (640–708 A.D.), and the last, Gregory Bar Hebraeus (1225/26–1286), have received the most attention. Much needs to be done, both in publishing and evaluating Syriac linguistic work, and in recognizing its importance in cross-connecting the West Asian civilizations and in foreshadowing modern approaches to language. This article provides a guide and key to the literature.