Syriac, "The Edessa Dialect of Aramaic", is one of the Semitic languages which some portions of the Bible, such as the prophecy of Prophet Daniel and Gospel of Matthew were written with.
According to some scientists Syriac is the most ancient language of the world, nevertheless is out of question that it is one of the most ancient languages. The first proof of its being very ancient is the verse of Genesis 31:47 written in this language at 1750 BC.
Syriac consists total of 22 letters, six of them (b,g,d,k,f,t) being mild or consonant and hard letters, being also of double pronunciation with special marks. Syriac is most delightful and rich language which covers all sorts of ancient sciences, sufficient to express and describe all things occurs in ones mind, all feelings and thoughts. Syriac was the mother language of the peoples living in Iraq, Cezire, Mesopotamia and Syria. It was spread out through all the Persian Kingdom and was also spread amongst the neighboring nations of Syrians.
The language remained for long years as official language of the Near East countries. It was spread throughout Egypt, Asia Minor and Arabian Peninsula. As was also spread even unto south China and Malabar region of India; the language is still used in the churches of these areas. It was used in very wide areas until Arabic language became a rival language to Syriac by the end of 7th and the beginning of 8th century. After that, usage of Syriac was gradually decreased and it was only used in villages and rural areas. Yet in spite of this it was still used by many writers and scientists.
The places where this language was best used are, Edessa (Urfa), Harran, Humus, Apamea and Syria surroundings. The pagans of Harran were using this language in their writings until the end of 9th century. This language was used widespreadly in many regions of Cezire and Armenia until the end of 13th century.
Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples and Mother Mary using this language would be a sufficient evidence for Syriac to be superior over all other languages. It is the first language used in the church ceremonies. Syrian scholars translating Greek works into Syriac, then into Arabic had a valuable and praiseworthy share in this subject. The language is still used in worship.
At the beginning of sixth century in regard to its writing form and spelling, it was divided into two dialect as East and West Syriac, according to its geographical usage. The Syriac spoken in Syria was called the West, and the one spoken in Mesopotamia, Iraq and Azerbaijan was called the east dialect.
The most important works survived down to our times in this language is the Psitton (Peshitta) translation of the Old and New Testaments. Except the differences happened in divided dialects of this language, the language did not undergo any change since its construction. The survived passages of the Old Testament and the Poems of philosopher Vafa written in this language proves that the language used today is as the same one used in the old times. Nevertheless, as the Antonius of Tikrit stated, some words were forgotten as some regarded useless, and according to Yakup of Bertello also many words disappeared in this language which are only used in Arabic language today.
There are neither ancient grammar nor any linguistic books of this language available. Because, like Arabian Syrian were using their language in a most simple and natural form. The first grammar book was made at the end of 7th century.