Learn the basics of Sumerian: cuneiform writing, grammar, vocabulary and texts.
This course offers an opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating languages in human history – Sumerian.
What you’ll learn
- Learn the history of the Sumerian language.
- Recognize basic cuneiform signs.
- Decline Sumerian nouns and conjugate Sumerian verbs.
- Translate phrases from English to Sumerian.
- Read simple original Sumerian texts.
Course Content
- Introduction –> 3 lectures • 13min.
- Noun phrase –> 10 lectures • 30min.
- Verbal chain –> 12 lectures • 47min.
- Reading practice –> 1 lecture • 5min.
Requirements
This course offers an opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating languages in human history – Sumerian.
From a historical perspective, Sumerian opens a window into the written heritage of ancient Mesopotamia, often called the cradle of civilization, where the first cities, administrative system and writing emerged over 5 000 years ago. From a linguistic perspective, Sumerian is a language isolate – it has no known relatives and its grammar differs dramatically from what most learners (and professional linguists as well) are accustomed to.
This course provides a concise but comprehensive introduction to the core features of the Sumerian language. We will learn how to decline nouns, conjugate verbs, build nominal and verbal chains and create simple and complex sentences. We will also study some of the most frequent and important Sumerian nouns, verbs and adjectives.
After the theoretical lectures you will find practical exercises designed to help you reinforce understanding and memory of the newly introduced material.
In the last lesson of the course you will be able to apply what you have learned by reading and analyzing a real Sumerian royal inscription of Gudea, ruler of Lagash, that was written down more than 4 000 years ago.
Join me, and take your first steps into the world of Sumerian!