The enormous success of Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ has revived interest in the Aramaic language. It is now recognized throughout the world as the language spoken by Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Also called Assyrian or Syriac, it is very much a living language that is spoken today by the Assyrian peoples in Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. it is also heard in Assyrian emigre communities such as those in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.<BR>Modern Aramaic is made up of a number of dialects. The two major ones are Swadaya (Eastern) and Turoyo (Western). This unique dictionary and phrasebook incorporates both dialects in a way that illustrates the differences and gives the reader a complete understanding of both. The dialects are presented in an easy-to-read romanized form that will help the reader be understood.