Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann Aramaic, Greek and Latin: a linguistic history of Christmas
Dec 22, 2023
Explore the linguistic landscape of Christmas with origins of Christianity, early languages such as Aramaic, Greek, and Latin, and the influence of language, religion, and ethnicity on identity.
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Christmas and Christianity
- Christmas is a commercial event in many countries, often associated with trees.
- However, Christianity originated in the Middle East and is the world's most widespread religion.
Languages of Early Christianity
- While Christ was Jewish, Aramaic was the common language, but the New Testament was written in Greek.
- The apostles were predominantly Greek-speaking Jews, though Aramaic was also used.
Aramaic and Greek Influence
- Aramaic was widely used in Persia during the Achaemenid dynasty.
- Alexander the Great's conquests spread Greek, resulting in Greek-speaking empires even in India.