Rabi Anwar Atto

Educator, Linguist, Author, and Poet

Rabi Anwar Atto is a prominent Assyrian educator, author, and cultural figure based in Australia. He is highly respected for his decades of tireless work in standardizing and teaching the modern Assyrian language, ensuring that youth in the diaspora maintain a deep connection to their ancestral heritage.

Key Contributions & Career Highlights

• The "Lishani" (My Language) Curriculum: In a monumental pedagogical achievement that took 15 years to develop, Rabi Anwar authored a comprehensive 12-volume set of language textbooks titled "Lishani". This structured curriculum uses Modern Standard Assyrian (lishana daraya mkhaida) and serves as a foundational learning tool for students across all grade levels.

• Educational Leadership in Australia: He serves as the Head of the Assyrian Languages Program and Language Coordinator for the Assyrian Christian Schools (under the Assyrian Church of the East) in Australia. In this role, he has successfully integrated Assyrian language, faith, and traditional history into academic structures.

• Co-Founder of the Assyrian Language College: Driven by a mission to expand language access to adults, Rabi Anwar co-founded and acts as the principal of the Assyrian Language College. For over a decade, the college has offered specialized evening classes tailored to adult learners, community members, and non-native speakers seeking to master Assyrian.

• Artistic and Literary Contributions: Beyond linguistics, Rabi Anwar is a celebrated poet and lyricist. His written poetry and song lyrics have been performed by iconic Assyrian musical artists—including Ashur Bet Sargis and Linda George—weaving cultural narratives and historical memory into contemporary Assyrian art.

• Digital Outreach: Embracing modern technology to combat language loss, he produces highly accessible educational content across digital and social media platforms (including his channel Assyrian.tiktalk), offering free, bite-sized lessons to beginners and diaspora youths worldwide.