Launched in 2023 by a group of young Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) activists in Germany, Syriac-History is a digital archive and media initiative dedicated to restoring an often-marginalized history to today’s online public square.

On December 11, CCF West celebrated Chaldean Cultural Night featuring artist Reni Stephan and Fr. Patrick Setto. Both Stephan and Setto shared powerful reflections on art, faith, and the spiritual guidance that inspires creativity. Their stories highlighted the deep connection between culture, religion, and the artistic journey.

CCF President Martin Manna had a meeting with the Board of Trustees of the American University of Iraq–Baghdad to discuss key priorities supporting the university’s continued growth and success.

The CCF is seeking nomination for Best Community Organization and Fundraising Gala for Best of Detroit presented by Hour Detroit! Nominations can be cast from now through January 9th. 

On December 15, CCF West hosted 20 kids, ages 8–15, for a fun, hands-on experience decorating their own holiday cookies. With pre-measured dough, festive cookie cutters, frosting, sprinkles, and candy decorations, the kids let their creativity shine. After baking and decorating, each participant boxed up their cookies to take home.

When Dawn (Shaouni) Pullis’s stomach pains were too much to bear, she went to the doctor and was surprised by a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. She was 21. The examination was caught in its early stage, so she had an oophorectomy, the surgical removal of both her ovaries, and did not require chemotherapy or radiation. It took eight weeks to recover, but years to find a life partner who would accept her as an infertile wife.

Stephen Hannawi is a man with a mission. It all started when he was 8 years old in Tel Kepe, where he and his older brother served in church—attending Vespers, daily prayers, and the rosary. In Iraq, Vespers was celebrated in the Chaldean language; Stephen started to learn the language so that he could participate in the liturgy. “I love the language because it was the language of Jesus Christ,” Stephen explains. He was seriously considering entering the priesthood.

The Chaldean Community Foundation hosted a cultural evening at its West Bloomfield location on Thursday, December 11, titled “Art and Music.” Father Patrick Setto and visual artist Reni Stephan were the guests of honor. The event drew a large crowd of community members who enjoyed an evening celebrating art, music, culture and history.

For most students, attending college is a moment to strike out on their own, the start of a solo journey of discovery and growth. But for Sarah, Samantha and Sebastian Jarbou—a trio of siblings enrolled at the University of Michigan-Flint—higher education is a shared adventure filled with mutual support, friendly mix-ups and a deep commitment to giving back.

Manresa Jesuit Retreat House is a retreat center in Bloomfield Hills. It is situated on 39 beautiful acres of forest, gardens and a stream with outdoor Stations of the Cross and many places for quiet prayer and contemplation. Thousands of people visit Manresa each year to experience God in new ways through their retreats, programs, classes and spiritual direction, many of whom leave with a life-giving encounter with the Sacred.

The 4th Annual Beth Nahrain Writers Conference was held November 8, 2025, in a virtual format, celebrating books and achievements by Chaldean authors and speakers. Previously hosted at Oakland University, the Chaldean Cultural Center and the Chaldean Community Foundation, the 2025 conference moved online to better serve its expanding global audience of writers and participants exploring Mesopotamian history and culture.

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is saving money. In today’s uncertain economy, making smart financial decisions is more important than ever. Building a solid savings cushion, maintaining a diversified investment portfolio, and following a consistent budget are proven ways to achieve financial stability.

On December 18, CCF West hosted a Cooking Chaldean - Pacha Edition. The hands-on class led by Natasha Dallo provided a step-by-step process on how to prepare pacha from cleaning to sewing and stuffing, just in time for the holidays. 

It was festive and merry at the Daxton Hotel for the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Member Christmas Party on December 2. Approximately 300 members and guests filled the elegant venue, enjoying its warm ambience, sparkling décor, and lively holiday spirit. Attendees reconnected with colleagues, strengthened business relationships, and made new connections as they celebrated the season together. 

January invites both reflection and renewal—a moment to honor where we come from while setting intentions for the year ahead. As we welcome the first issue of the new year, this edition reflects the strength, resilience and evolving identity of the Chaldean community, told through stories of faith, culture, education and perseverance. Together, these narratives capture both the challenges faced and the hope that continues to guide the community forward.

There has been a surge of commentary about the H-1B program lately. Much of it, in my view having worked in this field for over 30 years, is misguided. Too often, the debate assumes that H-1B professionals threaten the U.S. workforce. In reality, the program brings in only about 85,000 highly educated professional workers in specialty occupations a year—an insignificant number in a labor force of nearly 180 million. The real benefits of the program show up over time. Many H-1B recipients, even those who start in entry-level roles, are among the top talent in their home countries.

As part of our coverage of the history of the Chaldean people and the regions where they have lived, I had the honor of interviewing His Excellency Bishop Mar Habib Hormuz Nawfli, shepherd of the Chaldean Diocese of Basra and the South, and apostolic visitor to Europe. He shared insights into the Chaldean community’s historical presence in Basra, its spiritual and cultural life, and the challenges it faces today.

ضمن تغطيتنا لتاريخ شعبنا الكلداني ومناطق تواجده، كان لي شرف محاورة سيادة المطران مار حبيب هرمز النوفلي، راعي أبرشية الكلدان في البصرة والجنوب، والزائر الرسولي إلى أوروبا، الذي استعرض خلال اللقاء تاريخ الوجود الكلداني في مدينة البصرة، وأبعاده الروحية والثقافية والاجتماعية، والتحديات التي يواجهها اليوم.

بادرت مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية في مدينة ويست بلومفيلد باقامة أمسية ثقافية كلدانية للفن والموسيقى يوم الخميس كانون الاول - ديسمبر 11 2025 في موقع مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية الجديد في مدينة ويست بلومفيلد.

قبل ظهور كتب الطبخ، وقبل السكر والطماطم، وحتى قبل فكرة «طبق الحلوى»، كان سكان بلاد ما بين النهرين القديمة يتفننون في أعداد وطهي انواع الطعام ببراعة ملحوظة. ففي المنطقة الواقعة بين نهري دجلة والفرات، والتي تُعرف غالبًا بمهد الحضارة، لم يكن الطعام مجرد وسيلة للبقاء على قيد الحياة، بل كان طقسًا وهوية وقربانًا للآلهة.

For the first time in over fifteen years, the Chaldean Antonian Hormizdian Order welcomed a new novice. On the third Sunday of the season of Subara (Annunciation), Daniel Orcen, a 31-year-old from France, received the beige cassock that marks the beginning of monastic life at the Monastery of the Servant of God Martyr Abbot Gabriel Denbo in Ankawa, Iraq.

A new Michigan Historical Marker to be unveiled along Seven Mile Road will formally recognize the area as Chaldean Town, honoring the neighborhood that served as the cultural and economic heart of Detroit’s Chaldean community for much of the 20th century.

The Shenandoah Young Adult Committee presented a $36,298 check to the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center’s Patient and Family Support Program. The funds were raised through the committee’s inaugural 5K run, which was planned in just one month and brought the community together for a morning of purpose and unity.

The Chaldean Community Foundation hosted members of Temple Shir Shalom at Shenandoah Country Club on December 11 as part of its Cultural Education for Adults initiative. Following a guided tour of the Chaldean Cultural Center, participants gathered in the dining room and were divided into four small groups for a facilitated question-and-answer discussion led by Chaldean moderators.

Long before cookbooks, before sugar or tomatoes or even the idea of a “dessert course,” the people of ancient Mesopotamia were cooking with remarkable sophistication. Between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers—often called the cradle of civilization—food was not merely sustenance. It was ritual, identity and an offering to the gods.

Cousins Jonny Mansour and Julius Ballo each earned convincing victories Saturday night in Los Angeles, thrilling hometown fans while winning bouts on the same professional card. Mansour (5-0, 2 KOs) cruised to a six-round unanimous decision over Marc Antonio Juarez Rodriguez of Mexico (12-9-3) in a lightweight bout, winning every round on all scorecards. Mansour controlled the fight with a sharp jab, steady footwork and poise, even showboating late as the crowd cheered.

Long before the holiday music plays and the last gift is wrapped, a small army of volunteers gathers in a Macomb County space to sort, wrap, and organize presents. Each package is assembled with care so that a child in foster care will open something personal and know they are not forgotten. For nearly 20 years, that work has been centered around one woman and a simple promise: to make sure no child in foster care goes without at Christmas.

The history of doors in ancient civilizations—and especially in the Middle East—is remarkable. Gates and wooden doors have existed since the dawn of civilization. According to the Bible, King Solomon commissioned olive wood doors for his temple. Ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians also used wooden doors in their homes and temples.

Dr. Crystal Kassab Jabiro successfully defended her dissertation titled “Ethnic Identity Development of Chaldean American Youth” at Indiana Wesleyan University on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Winner of over 50 international film awards and now streaming in 25 countries, Pomegranate by Weam Namou comes to the big screen at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak (200 North Main Street) on December 7 from 3pm to 6pm EST.

Jonathan Elias, Metro Detroit’s own “Pastry Guru,” recently returned to the national spotlight with a new appearance on Food Network’s Sweet Empire: Winter Wars. Competing among a select group of top dessert artists from across the country, Elias showcased his signature creativity, precision and larger-than-life pastry imagination in this high-stakes holiday competition.

Last month, guest chefs Samira Cholagh and May Denha guided participants through the art of making Kleecha, Kahi, and Maa’Kacha. Hands-on sessions offered more than just recipes, they fostered connections, cultural pride, and delicious memories. Each session invites you to team up with fellow food lovers, learn from talented Chaldean community members, and create authentic dishes in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

In partnership with MDHHS and Ageways Michigan, CCF West hosted a meaningful community dialogue with Chaldean seniors to help shape the Michigan Plan on Aging. Participants shared personal experiences about aging in Michigan, highlighting key needs around transportation, mobility, food access, and overall well-being. Tammy Lemmer from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) facilitated the discussion.

Last month, our B.E.A.M. Project participants attended nutrition classes at CCF West presented by Amy Safaoui, a Michigan State University Extension Community Instructor fluent in Arabic. Amy works closely with Arab and Chaldean communities across Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties, helping families build lasting healthy habits.

The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has partnered with the city of Sterling Heights for the 47th Annual Ken Stempowski Memorial Food Drive, providing food assistance to families in need this holiday season. Now through December 17, a donation bin will be available at the CCF (Sterling Heights location) to accept non-perishable food donations during office hours.

As we close out the year, this December issue invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with our heritage, our families, and the communities that sustain us. The end of the year has a way of drawing us back to what matters most, and across these pages you’ll find a theme that carries through each story: the power of belonging, whether expressed through gratitude, service, shared history, or the simple joy of being together.

One of the great privileges of my work with the Iraqi Embassy over the years has been meeting and collaborating with remarkable Iraqi diplomats who have become brothers to me—as we call one another. Recently, Iraq’s Parliament approved a long-delayed slate of new ambassadors, and I was thrilled to see at least five of these colleagues elevated to the rank of ambassador.

In addressing this difficult subject, I must first make a clarification: I am not a theologian or an ethicist. I am a physician who has faced end-of-life issues many times over my 37-year career in pediatric oncology. This article is guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church—its Catechism and moral tradition—and by the Catholic Medical Association, of which I was a member. If I have made any errors, I welcome correction and comment.

The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) Iraq Mission has been closely monitoring the 2025 national parliamentary elections. With permanent staff in the Nineveh Plain and ongoing work and visits in the region, the CCF has established strong relationships with political leadership.

Every family has its own story, but some stand out because they’re built on quiet strength and shared purpose. For brothers Rami and Noor Yasi, their path in real estate and mortgage lending grew from early lessons that shaped them long before they entered the industry. What began as a simple desire to help others find stability has become a lifelong calling rooted in compassion and hard work.

Telleskuf (Tel Keppe) is a Chaldean name composed of two parts: Tella Zqeepa — Tella meaning “hill” and Zqeepa meaning “upright” or “cross.” The town’s origins date to the mid–second millennium B.C. Ancient manuscripts reference Telleskuf. In the archives of the Chaldean Diocese of Kirkuk, there is a manuscript written in 1582 by Abraham bin Bid‘a of Telleskuf.

The Chaldean Hockey League is a delicate balance of fierce competition, camaraderie and community. Games in the weekly league are hard-fought, and emotions run high—especially in the playoffs, when the coveted Telga Cup, the league’s version of the NHL’s Stanley Cup, is on the line.

There’s a reason our hearts feel different when the seasons change. It’s not weakness, it’s rhythm. As the days get darker, our bodies slow down too. The holidays can bring joy, but they can also overwhelm and bring stress. In Chaldean homes, this season is full of warmth and family, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Many people find themselves pushing to stay okay when what they really need is a little space to rest and reset.

DOHUK, Iraq (AP) — Members of Iraqi security forces and displaced people living in camps, including minority Yazidis, cast their ballots Sunday in early voting ahead of this week's parliamentary election in Iraq. The election, which will help determine whether Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani gets a second term, comes against the backdrop of fears of another conflict between Israel and Iran, and Iraq’s balancing act with Tehran and Washington.

Sterling Heights formally welcomed four new police officers and four firefighter/EMTs in October 2025. These officers were officially sworn in on October 7 by Police Chief Andrew Satterfield before the Sterling Heights City Council, marking the beginning of their careers serving the community. The four officers (as introduced) were Tyler Secluna, Miranda Diaowd, Adam Mays and Andy Cafritzas.

High school students Charlize Sitto and Elinor Jwaydah turned their personal experiences with asthma into an innovative awareness campaign for kids and families. What began as frustration and confusion over a misunderstood condition became Lung Quest—a colorful board game that teaches asthma management through play—and Breathe Boost, a digital platform and app offering kid-friendly tips, demos, and resources.

Nana Bernadette Sarafa’s Kitchen came alive with the aromas of Takhratha during the CCF West’s first cooking demonstration with Anmar Sarafa. In each class, students team up with fellow food lovers, learn from talented Chaldean community members, and create authentic dishes in a fun, hands-on environment.

Balance and Breathe classes for caregivers and adults 60 years and up takes place on Mondays and Fridays from 11:30am-12:15pm at CCF in Sterling Heights (3601 15 Mile Rd.) now through March 2026. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 11:00am.

CCF West hosted a special Movie Night for adults with special needs and their families — featuring Disney’s Hocus Pocus! Guests enjoyed a cozy theater experience with friends, snacks, and lots of laughter.

On October 10, the CCF in Sterling Heights welcomed Turning Point for an all-staff training focused on the cultural aspects of the Chaldean community. Turning Point empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence.

November calls us to pause — to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and give thanks for the blessings that surround us. For the Chaldean community, gratitude runs deeper than a single season. It is rooted in faith, family, and tradition — values that have carried the community through hardship and continue to illuminate its future. This month, we celebrate that spirit through stories that reflect generosity, perseverance, and pride in heritage.

“Art and architecture have long inspired one another, each shaping imagination, innovation, and cultural memory.” Visitors to the new Chaldean Community Foundation building in West Bloomfield, CCF West, are greeted by a vibrant collection of artworks celebrating faith, culture, and history. The walls feature depictions of the Freedom Monument, King Nebuchadnezzar II, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Martyrs Wall, the Tree of Life, the Ishtar and Sennacherib Gates, and more. Many of these works were commissioned by the CCF and brought to life by artist Reni Stephan.

Old bridges and arches are living monuments that carry the weight of history. They are not merely structures to cross rivers and roads—they have facilitated communication, trade, and human interaction between friends and foes alike. Over time, they have shaped culture, geography, and historical memory. Few bridges illustrate this as vividly as Pira Dalal, or the Dalal Bridge, in Zakho, northern Iraq.

We may be thousands of miles away from our homeland, but the essence of who we are shouldn’t fade with distance. For Chaldean Americans including myself and many others – children of immigrants, either born or raised in a new world – our existence is defined by an ongoing struggle between embracing the culture we inhabit and holding on to our identity. We are fortunate to live in a country that has given us opportunity, safety, and freedom, and for that, we are endlessly grateful. Yet, amid the beauty of assimilation, we should always remember the subtle, strong reminders of our origins.

Long before a student steps into a courtroom or writes their first brief, there is a moment of realization that something within them is meant for this path. It might come from witnessing an injustice or from the understanding that words have power when used to defend what is right. Within the Chaldean community, that moment carries profound meaning. It grows from generations who built their lives on faith and perseverance, and who believed that success means nothing unless it uplifts others.

Dr. Nathima Atchoo, born on December 28, 1931, in Iraq, passed away on February 5, 2025, receiving her heavenly reward.

استقبلت ورحبت مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية بالرئيس السابق لمجلس النواب العراقي (محمد الحلبوسي) وعقيلته والوفد المرافق في المركز الثقافي الكلداني في نادي شانندوا يوم السبت 7 ديسمبر 2024

لطالما‭ ‬ارتبط‭ ‬تاريخ‭ ‬الكلدان‭ ‬في‭ ‬العراق‭ ‬بمعالمه‭ ‬المقدّسة‭ ‬وأديرته‭ ‬التي‭ ‬تحكي‭ ‬قصص‭ ‬الإيمان‭ ‬والصمود‭ ‬عبر‭ ‬الأجيال‭. ‬ولكن‭ ‬في‭ ‬هذا‭ ‬المقال،‭ ‬ننطلق‭ ‬في‭ ‬رحلة‭ ‬مختلفة‭ ‬إلى‭ ‬قلب‭ ‬مؤسسة‭ ‬روحية‭ ‬عريقة‭: ‬الرهبنة‭ ‬الأنطونية‭ ‬الهرمزدية‭ ‬الكلدانية‭. ‬هذه‭ ‬الرهبنة،‭ ‬رغم‭ ‬استقلالها‭ ‬عن‭ ‬الهيكل‭ ‬الكنسي‭ ‬التقليدي،‭ ‬تُشكّل‭ ‬رافدًا‭ ‬مكمّلًا‭ ‬للرسالة‭ ‬الروحية‭ ‬والثقافية‭ ‬للكنيسة‭ ‬الكلدانية‭.‬

Explore unique gift ideas from our curated list of local merchants and artisans.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday November 20, 2024, passed a bipartisan resolution calling for greater support for the human rights and dignity of religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq, including the Chaldean community.

It’s often said, “It takes a village,” meaning that people rely on their communities to help raise and support their families. This principle extends to making a positive impact on the world around us. A common thread across cultures, religions, and communities is a commitment to charity and service.

At Saroki Architecture, father and son Victor and Alex embody the past and future of the field. For them, architecture is both an art form and a practical endeavor, merging technological skills with design and aesthetics.

On the ruins of an ancient mound and its surroundings lies the city of Tel Keppe, named after this very mound. Its history traces back to the several centuries before Christ, evidenced by artifacts excavated there, specifically on the site of the current cemetery.

Talat Karmo’s 42-year career—so far—aligns well with his authorship of 42 U.S. patents, mostly for General Motors and Ford Motor Company. Karmo holds a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry. Now 70 and twice retired, he has taken on a new challenge, demonstrating a reluctance to step away from the intellectual and emotional energy he finds in the workplace.

In a world often marked by division and misunderstanding, Matthew Howard, a seasoned communications professional and executive producer of Common Home TV, is on a mission to amplify the voices of those working for peace and justice.

Mesopotamia, often called the “birthplace of civilization,” was one of the earliest centers where the development of philosophy, religion, science, and technology helped humanity transition from prehistoric times into the modern era.

Community members who have recently passed away.

The 21st Annual Meeting and Board Election for the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce was held on Wednesday, November 13 at Shenandoah Country Club. Over 150 members came together to network and participate in the voting process.

Sister Therese Shikwana’s journey is a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and dedication to service. She has played a pivotal role in the Chaldean community and the Chaldean Catholic Diocese.

he Shaya brothers continued their unprecedented run at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 boys tennis state tournament this season. Pierce Shaya, a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School, won his fourth flight state championship. His high school tennis career is over, but he’ll be playing for the University of Michigan men’s tennis team next season.

According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 3 in 5 Americans report that the holidays negatively impact their mental health. Despite the celebratory spirit, family conflicts, financial strain, and loneliness can magnify the stress people who struggle with mental health experience during the holidays.

As we transition from autumn to winter, change is all around us — leaves are taking on new colors, temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter. But you can also experience different seasons in various aspects of your life — including when you invest. What are the seasons of an investor’s life? And how should you respond to them?

Over the past two decades, CN’s December cover stories have captured the evolving cultural, religious, and social fabric of the Chaldean community, showcasing key moments, traditions, and achievements.

In recent local elections, Chaldean candidates have made significant strides, securing key positions and bringing attention to the importance of representation at the community level. These small victories highlight the critical need for diverse voices in local government, where decisions directly impact daily life.

Chaldean Community Foundation Board Chair Sylvester Sandiha has been recognized by Crain’s as a “Notable Nonprofit Board Leader” for his work with the CCF. Sandiha works to raise awareness of CCF’s impact on the community by bringing together community, faith and political leaders.

There’s a new kind of therapy in town. Located in the heart of West Bloomfield, Social Pediatric Therapy specializes in providing essential therapy services for children to support their communication and developmental needs.

Jonathan Elias returns yet again to the Food Network! Host Jeff Mauro leads the merry eight-episode competition series Holiday Wars, where nine teams of elite cake, sugar and cookie artists (including our favorite Pastry Guru) compete in over-the-top confectionary challenges inspired by the season.

The Chaldean Community Foundation hosted its first ever Early Voting site from October 26-November 3 for Sterling Heights and Utica residents. Within the nine days of early voting, the CCF saw 8,050 voters come through its doors. Many first-time voters came through the CCF as well, with great excitement around being able to participate in the voting process.

November was Family Caregiver Month in the state of Michigan, and a perfect opportunity to shed some insight into the programming offered through the CCF’s Breaking Barriers program. A half-hour program called “Real Possibilities” through AARP Michigan airing on ABC 53 in the mid-Michigan area is recognizing CCF’s C.H.A.I. (Caregiver Helping Aid Initiative) Project.

After attending six months of learning and connecting with area top leaders, cultivating leadership skills, and developing relationships, the Learn with a Leader program got together for the last time as a cohort. In collaboration with CCF and Wireless Vision, Learn with a Leader graduates were honored November 6 during their program graduation at Shenandoah Country Club.

The CCF’s H.E.A.L. Project participated in a revolutionary driver’s education program catered to those who are hearing-impaired. Thanks to the generous support from AAA The Auto Club Group, the program revolutionized driver education with a cutting-edge driving simulator.

يأخذنا استكشاف جاذبية المجوهرات والأحجار الكريمة العتيقة في رحلة عبر الزمن، لنستكشف القصص والجمال الموجود داخل هذه الكنوز العتيقة إذ لعبت المجوهرات دوراً مهماً في الحضارات والمجتمع وتاريخه الطويل وتم العثور على العديد من الأحجار الكريمة وقطع المجوهرات الفريدة من نوعها بين كل الحضارات القديمة وفي جميع أنحاء العالم.

على‭ ‬أطلال‭ ‬تل‭ ‬أثري‭ ‬ومحيطه،‭ ‬تقع‭ ‬مدينة‭ ‬تلكيف‭ ‬التي‭ ‬تستمد‭ ‬اسمها‭ ‬من‭ ‬هذا‭ ‬التل‭. ‬يعود‭ ‬تاريخها‭ ‬إلى‭ ‬قرون‭ ‬عديدة‭ ‬قبل‭ ‬الميلاد،‭ ‬بدليل‭ ‬القطع‭ ‬الأثرية‭ ‬التي‭ ‬وجدها‭ ‬المنقبون‭ ‬في‭ ‬ذلك‭ ‬التل،‭ ‬الذي‭ ‬هو‭ ‬المقبرة‭ ‬الحالية‭. ‬اسمها‭ ‬في‭ ‬اللغة‭ ‬الكلدانية‭ ‬“تل‭ ‬كيبي”،‭ ‬ويقابلها‭ ‬“تل‭ ‬الحجارة”‭ ‬باللغة‭ ‬العربية‭. ‬كانت‭ ‬تسمى‭ ‬“شبيتيان‭.‬

وتتميز اللهجة العراقية بأنها تحتوي على عدد كبير من المفردات والأساليب التي تميزها عن اللهجات الأخرى، فاللغة المستخدمة في وسائل الإعلام والعمل الرسمي هي أقرب إلى اللغة العربية الفصحى، ولكن اللهجات الشفهية الشائعة بين عامة الناس تختلف باختلاف المناطق ولا توجد لهجة محددة في مناطق العراق فمثلا" لهجة أهل البصرة لا تتشابه مع لهجة باقي مدن الجنوب وهي لهجة بني تميم وأهل ساحل الخليج والتي تمتاز بقلب الجيم إلى ياء.