Mandaic alphabet
The Mandaic alphabet appears to be based on the Aramaic alphabet and
first appeared sometime during the 2nd century AD. The Mandaic name for
the alphabet is Abagada or Abaga, after the first few letters.
The Mandaeans believe that all the letters of their alphabet have magical
properties, and impart mysteries (raze).
Notable features
- Type of writing system: alphabet
- Direction of writing: right to left in horizontal lines.
- Some of the letters change shape when combined with other letters.
Used to write
Classical Mandaic, a member of the East Aramaic sub-family
of Northwest Semitic languages and the liturgical language of the Mandaean
religion. Classical Mandaic is closely related to Syriac.
Neo-Mandaic, a vernacular form of Mandaic with about 100
speakers in Iran around Ahwaz. There are also a few Mandaic speakers in Iraq and
the USA.
Mandaic alphabet
Sample texts in Mandaic
Translation
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They
are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another
in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
Links
Information about the Mandaic language and alphabet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandaic_language
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandaic_alphabet
Mandean World – information about the Mandaic language and alphabet, including a free Mandaic font:
http://www.mandaeanworld.com/alphabet.html
Mandai Studies Center of Iran – information about the Mandaic people and language
http://www.iranmanda.com/
Mandaic and Neo-Mandaic Texts and Resources
http://www.mandaic.org