Differences between Hebrew and Aramaic

Hebrew and Aramaic are both Semitic languages that have similar roots and structures. However, these two languages have significant differences that cannot be overlooked.

Grammatical Differences

Hebrew grammar is more complex than the Aramaic grammar, especially in terms of verbal inflections. For instance, Hebrew verbs have seven or eight different forms, while Aramaic verbs only have two forms. Moreover, the noun morphology differs between the two languages. While Hebrew has gendered nouns, Aramaic has only one gender in its nouns.

Vocabulary Differences

Another significant difference between Hebrew and Aramaic is the vocabulary. Aramaic has a vast borrowing of words from various languages, like Persian, Greek, and Akkadian, making it more versatile in communication. Conversely, Hebrew has a more limited vocabulary, as few new words have been introduced since the fifth century AD.

Usage Differences

Hebrew is the language of the Hebrew Bible, which means it is predominantly a liturgical language. On the other hand, Aramaic is a vernacular language used for everyday communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hebrew and Aramaic have central differences, which include grammatical structures, vocabularies, and usage. However, these differences do not make one language better than the other. They only show that the two languages are distinct and relevant in their ways, grounded in the history, culture, and context in which they were spoken.