Long Service Teachers
Click here to download the enrolment form

Why Learn Assyrian? By Emmanuel Kanna

Why learn Assyrian?

What good is it for me in this country?

Thses are questions that are often asked, normally as a defence, when a person is invited to learn the language. Why indeed? We can go a little further and ask is the AAA so pedantic on running the Assyrian Diqlat School to teach the language and why, in the process, is it wasting so much time, effort and money? Why are the other Assyrian organisations and schools in Sydney running Assyrian School for the classes of the community?

Why is the AAA, in running the Late Rabi Nemrod Simono Scholarship so adamant that the recipients of the Scholarship be versed with the Assyrian Language?

Why? Why?

They ask what is the point in learning Assyrian language which is not a business or commere language and how will it help us in making a living? While such statements are valid, seemingly the attitude of the persons behindsuch questions is materialistic and somehow selfish. They limit themselves to measuring every aspect of life in money terms. Clearly, it is very honorable and highly expected of one to study to make a prefession for life. However, once established in a profession, one need not stop studying if we are to increase our vista in life and to be further enlightened. Money is for our service and benefit but it should not be our master. Most of us have hobbies, which take alot of our time and effort, but they do not necessarily make us richer. Indeed some involve additional extra expenses.

The way I see it, realistically, these are valid arguments for learning Assyrian-

1- Our Language, being one of the oldest languages, is our heritage and therefore dserves preservation and protection. Our ancestors have for the last 2000 years done exceedingly well in keeping the language alive. Today, as the current generation of a great people, we should see it as our duty to have our heritage intact and preserved in order to pass it on to the next generation. We do not want the history to see us as failure and to label us as a generation that was ignorant in recognising and appreciating a precious inheritance.

2- Our language is very old and it is the modern version of Aramaic, the sacred language of our Lord Jesus Christ to the public. Aramaic was the lingua franca of the period before and after the Nativity. It is the language that our forefathers used to establish our Assyrian Church and in it they wrote volumes of very valuable history and scripture related literature. Non-Assyrian linduistic scholars study the Aramaic to be able to understand the history and the intricacies of the sacred biblical utterances.

4- If it was not for the teaching of our language here in our new home away from the land of our forefathers, we could not have been so rich and lucky in this country. Our language has helped us to remain together and to enjoy our faith, our own songs, the radio programmes and the inspiring chants from our Assyrian Church Choir.

5- Our language has been kept alive from generation to generation for the last 2000 years, at times against the odds; why do we let the apathy and the easy living deter us from carrying on in the path of our forefathers? Why can't you, as an Assyrian, play your role and master your own language? What inheritance that was handed to you will you dutifully pass on to the next generation?

Do not be guilty of failing to pass on your inheritance, in its totality, to your children. Learn and master your language. Teach your language to your children. Support those who have the vision and are doing their utmost to protect our precious language. Do not procrastinate. JUST DO IT!