Level 1: Syriac Reading and Writing

This beginner-level course is designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of Syriac. You will begin by learning to read and write the Syriac alphabet, gradually progressing to reading simple words and constructing basic sentences. The course provides a strong foundation in the script and essential language skills, opening the door to further study of Syriac texts and culture.

Textbook: George A. Kiraz, New Syriac Primer (Fourth Edition), Chapter 1.

Please ensure you have the textbook with you, as it is essential for following along with the lessons.

Course Content

Introducing the Alphabet
Lesson 1: My First Syriac Letters: Olaph, Beth, Gomal, and Dolath
5 Topics
Introducing Olaph, Beth, Gomal, and Dolath
Reading Words with Olaph, Beth, Gomal, and Dolath
Reading Sentences with Olaph, Beth, Gomal, and Dolath
Writing Olaph, Beth, Gomal, and Dolath
Reviewing Olaph, Beth, Gomal, and Dolath
Lesson 2: The Letters He, Waw, and Zayn and the Power of Waw
Lesson 3: The Letters Ḥeth, Ṭeth, and Yudh
Lesson 4: The Letters Koph, Lomadh, Mim, and Nun
Lesson 5: The bdwl Letters
Lesson 6: The Letters Simkath, ʿE, Phe, and Ṣodhe
Lesson 7: My Last Syriac Letters: Qoph, Rish, Shin, and Taw
Reviews
Lesson 8: Review of the Alphabet
Lesson 9: Training Wheels Off: Getting Rid of Some Vowels
Lesson 10: Course Overall Review