Semitic Studies

Semitic Studies includes research in the areas of Semitic languages, cultures and history of the Semitic peoples of the Middle East.  Research priorities for the Semitic Studies Department at the Free University of Berlin include Ethiopian, Aramaic and Hebraic Studies and Semitic inscriptions (Epigraphics).  Ongoing courses are offered in these areas. 

In addition research projects are being carried out on Mandaic manuscripts and Old Northern Arabic inscriptions. 

Examples of Semitic language texts range from the third millennium bc to the present.  Many of these languages produced religious literatures that are of special significance to various religious communities of the present day.  Semitic studies offers opportunities in a variety of research areas and specializations, many with links to complementary disciplines, chief among which are Middle Eastern Studies, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Judaism and the study of the Christian Middle East.