Is Aramaic a still alive language or dead one?

Aramaic is a fascinating language with a complex history. To answer your question directly: Aramaic is not entirely dead, but it is also not entirely alive.

Here's why:

* Historically: Aramaic was once a major language of the Middle East, spoken by empires like the Assyrians and Babylonians. It was even used by Jesus and his disciples. However, over time, Aramaic was largely replaced by Arabic and other languages.

* Modern Varieties: There are still small communities of people who speak various dialects of Aramaic today, primarily in:

* Iraq: The Chaldean Catholic Church uses a liturgical Aramaic called Syriac.

* Syria: Some communities in the northeast speak a form of Western Aramaic.

* Turkey: There are small groups of speakers of a few Aramaic dialects.

* Iran: A community in the Zagros Mountains speaks a dialect of Northeastern Aramaic.

* Revival Efforts: There are some attempts to revive Aramaic, particularly in communities where the language is declining or facing extinction.

Therefore, Aramaic is a complex case. While it's not the dominant language it once was, there are still pockets of speakers, and efforts to keep it alive continue.