In this course, we will be covering Sumerian texts from throughout its history as a living language, from the oldest royal inscriptions of the Old Sumerian period (3000-2350) to the Sumerian texts of the Sargonic period (2350-2250) to the so-called “Neo-Sumerian” period to Hammurabi and the Old Babylonian period.
Summary - Cuneiform is the oldest writing system, and it was invented especially for the writing of the Sumerian language. Most Sumerian words are monosyllabic, and the semi-logographic/syllabic cuneiform writing system was quite compatible with the structure of Sumerian. The writing system initially did not render spoken language, and the process of the development of Sumerian writing will be discussed. Students will be taught how to utilize the glossaries and sign lists. The known history of the Sumerian language will also be discussed, from Old Sumerian (3000-2350) to the Sumerian of the Old Babylonian period, when it finally died as a spoken language.
Grammar - The general grammar of Sumerian will be introduced, including the case system and the verbal system.
Reading: Hayes Lesson 1, Foxvog Chapter 1
Normalized Sumerian Reading: E-IGI.NIM-pa-e E1.1.7
This is a short royal inscription from a city-state ruler of Adab who has a name with an uncertain reading, E-IGI.NIM-pa-e. We will translate and discuss all the peculiarities of this text, and it will serve as a good introduction to all the various problems and issues in Sumerology in general.
Cuneiform Text: Ur-Nammu E3/2.1.1.33
Vocabulary
|
dingir |
god |
|
ki |
Earth, land |
|
Nammu |
A goddess |
|
Nanna |
The Moon God |
|
Ur |
Man, warrior, dog |
|
Urim |
Ur |
|
bad |
Wall, fortification |
|
e |
House, temple |
|
lugal |
king |
|
gal |
great |
|
lu |
man |
|
ensi |
Ruler. governor |
|
en |
lord |