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The recent publication of texts from the early and middle periods of Christian Palestinian Aramaic makes possible a more accurate description of the syntax of this form of Aramaic than heretofore. However, since virtually all CPA texts consist of translations, one cannot adequately discuss its verbal system without taking into account translation technique. Therefore, the present study consists of a study of the translation of Greek Indicative verbs in the CPA Gospels and its implications for the understanding of the CPA verbal system. Chapter one explains the methodology and the conventions used in this book. Chapters two to seven describe the translation of six Greek Indicative tenses, i.e., the Imperfect, Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect, and Pluperfect, along with related periphrastic verbal phrases. Chapter eight then explores the implications of the previous chapters for the understanding of both translation technique and the CPA verbal system. The presence of textual, stylistic, and/or idiomatic variation in an otherwise literal translation provides useful clues concerning both the nature of the CPA translation and the functions of CPA verbs. Hence, the evidence afforded by translation technique concerning the syntax and morphosyntax of the CPA verbal system is discussed in light of synchronic and diachronic comparative evidence. Chapter nine offers some concluding thoughts.
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Greek Indicative Verbs in the Christian Palestinian Aramaic Gospels Perspectives on Linguistics and Ancient Languages 3 Series Editor Terry Falla Editorial Board Aaron Michael Butts J. K. Aitken Wido van Peursen Daniel King Perspectives on Linguistics and Ancient Languages (PLAL) focuses on the theory and practice of ancient-language lexicography and subjects relating to it. Contemporary approaches to ancient-language lexicography in an age of digital technologies are linked to the study of modern linguistics and to virtually every aspect of ancient-language endeavour, including socio-cultural inquiry. Accordingly, the series contains collections of peer-reviewed essays, monographs, and reference works that have relevance to the ever-increasing reaches of ancient-language lexicography and that allow a better view of the linguistic universe in which every particle and galaxy are interrelated. Greek Indicative Verbs in the Christian Palestinian Aramaic Gospels Translation Technique and the Aramaic Verbal System Tarsee Li 9 34 2013 Gorgias Press LLC, 954 River Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA www.gorgiaspress.com Copyright © 2013 by Gorgias Press LLC All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise without the prior written permission of Gorgias Press LLC. 2013 ܗ 9 ISBN 978-1-61143-895-6 ISSN 2165-2600 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Li, Tarsee. Greek indicative verbs in the Christian Palestinian Aramaic gospels : translation technique and the Aramaic verbal system / By Tarsee Li. pages cm. -- (Perspectives on Linguistics and Ancient Languages ; 3) 1. Aramaic language--Grammar. 2. Greek language, Biblical--Verb. 3. Greek language, Biblical--Grammar, Comparative--Aramaic. 4. Translating and interpreting. 5. Bible. N.T.--Language, style. I. Title. PJ5242.L5 2013 492’.356--dc23 2013018574 Printed in the United States of America TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents ..................................................................................... v Preface ....................................................................................................... xi Ac