CULTURE & HISTORY Shako
CULTURE & HISTORY Shako Mako The unique flavor of Iraqi colloquial dialect BY ADHID MIRI, PHD Part I The Iraqi dialect, rich and diverse, embodies a linguistic heritage that stretches back to the early days of Mesopotamian civilization. This dialect, with its unique vocabulary and expressions, reflects centuries of cultural and linguistic evolution. Despite the influence of classical Arabic in official and media contexts, the Iraqi dialect remains a vibrant testament to the country’s historical and social complexity. The roots of many Iraqi colloquial terms can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, Aramaic, and Assyrian cultures. These civilizations have left a lasting imprint on the Iraqi language, contributing to a linguistic tapestry that is both historical and contemporary. However, the origins of many colloquial words are often overlooked by researchers, primarily due to the challenge of studying the dialect in depth and understanding the interplay of various ancient languages. Languages evolve in response to cultural, social, economic, and political changes. The Iraqi dialect exemplifies this evolution, having absorbed elements from Turkish, Persian, English, and other languages. This integration reflects Iraq’s historical position as a crossroads of civilizations. used to express sorrow or distress. It originates from the Aramaic phrase Ah Eli (“Oh God”). The Aramaic influence reflects the deep historical roots of the Iraqi dialect, linking it to religious and cultural expressions from ancient times. AH (Sanskrit) is used to express understanding, pleasure, pain, surprise, or the fact that you have noticed something: “Ah, I see.” Eli is an Old Testament Aramaic word, a biblical male name that means high, elevated. “Ah Eli” were the last few words An intriguing example of this linguistic heritage is the term “Shako Mako.” This Akkadian expression is used colloquially to inquire about recent news or developments in someone’s life. said by the Lord Christ when He was hung on the cross. He looked up in the ninth hour and said, “Abba Eli Eli Lamma Shbachtani – which means “My Father and My God, why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1. Regional Dialects and Their Distinctions The diversity of Iraq’s geography and population contributes to a rich variety of dialects. From the north to the south, the dialects differ significantly, reflecting regional influences and historical factors. The Baghdadi dialect, spoken in central Iraq, is known for its clarity and simplicity. It features unique elements such as the Turkish suffix -chi (originally Greek), used to denote professions or roles (e.g., Kababchi for a kebab vendor). This reflects the historical interactions between Baghdad and various cultures over the centuries. In northern Iraq, the Mosul dialect (or Maslawi) is distinguished by its pronunciation of the letter Qaf, which is often pronounced as G (e.g., Qullo instead of Gulla). This dialect has historical connections to the Jewish community in Iraq, illustrating its diverse linguistic influences. The Ambari dialect, found in western Iraq, combines elements of the Baghdadi and Bedouin dialects. This mixture results in a dialect rich in ancient Bedouin vocabulary and is known for its clear and light pronunciation, making it relatively easy for learners to grasp. SHAKO MAKO continued on page 38 Linguistic Relics An intriguing example of this linguistic heritage is the term “Shako Mako.” This Akkadian expression is used colloquially to inquire about recent news or developments in someone’s life. Shako Mako combines the Akkadian words aku (meaning “what”) and maku (meaning “not”) with a later Arabic addition, SH. This amalgamation of languages showcases how the Iraqi dialect has preserved ancient terms while adapting them to contemporary usage. Another classic term is “Awaily” (or “Awai lakh/Ahwailakh”), a term These books written in Arabic highlight the colloquial use of the term “ Shako Mako.” 36 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2024
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