An Ethnolinguistic Repertoire for the Kingdom: The Sociolinguistic Function of Aramaic in Galatians 4:6

This research proposes a sociolinguistic function for the inclusion of Aramaic in Paul’s letter to the Galatians 4:6, noted by the word, abba . It suggests that this word is a purposeful demonstration of covenantal identity construction by Paul to his Galatian followers. This research follows other recent studies which suggest an eschatological Israelite identity for believers in the Christ-believing messianic communities of the Diaspora. The letter to the Galatians contains linguistic elements that were meant to show the Galatians how to express this religious identity through the use of marked linguistic varieties, understood in the Diaspora to correspond to Jewish religious communities. In this reading, the word, abba , highlights the Gentiles’ covenantal membership in the Abrahamic family through the use of a marked linguistic token, which should be understood as part of their ethnolinguistic repertoire from which they could select elements to construct their identities.