Learn to Read Ancient Sumerian. An introduction for complete beginners

Description

Sumerian is the world's oldest written language, but the ability to read it is restricted to the lucky few - until now! Learn to Read Ancient Sumerian: An Introduction for Complete Beginners is written specifically for people with no training in ancient languages, letting the reader learn Sumerian without having to learn grammatical jargon first. Any grammatical terms that are used are explained in clear language, and a handy index provides definitions just in case you need a reminder! Each of the 11 chapters introduce and explain important grammatical features, building upon previous chapters to provide and in-depth understanding of the language without being overwhelming. Every chapter includes a list of vocabulary and cuneiform signs for the student to master, as well as exercises to help solidify the reader's understanding of grammatical concepts. Exercises written in cuneiform mean that you start reading authentic Sumerian right from the start, building up to translating ancient cuneiform inscriptions from drawings and photographs! This book will: Teach you the fundamentals of Sumerian grammar in language you can understand. Give you exercises so you can test and consolidate your new-found knowledge. Let you read actual cuneiform inscriptions from 4,000 years ago! cover Learn to Read Ancient Sumerian_ - Joshua Bowen PREFACE - Why a Sumerian Grammar? Thanks and Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter One Cuneiform Signs and Sounds Chapter Two Introduction to Verbs and the Genitive Chapter Three Case Endings Chapter Four The Verbal “Chain” Part One: Case Elements Chapter Five Verbal Inflection Chapter Six Possession, Independent Pronouns, and Intransitive Verbs Chapter Seven Transitive Verbs: Ḫamtu Chapter Eight Transitive Verbs: Marû Chapter Nine Remaining Verbal Prefixes Chapter Ten Compound and Auxiliary Verbs Chapter Eleven Imperatives and Several Non-Finite Forms Conclusion Appendix A Additional Exercises Appendix B Answer Key Appendix C Glossary of Sumerian Words Appendix D Glossary of Proper Nouns Appendix E Glossary of Common Irregular Verbs60F Appendix F Cuneiform Sign List Appendix G Glossary of Grammatical Terms Appendix H Index to Cuneiform Sources Bibliography Página en blanco Página en blanco Página en blanco Página en blanco