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Learn to Read Ancient Sumerian: An Introduction for Complete Beginners
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!
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!
278 pages, Paperback
Published December 21, 2019
12 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Bowen
8 books54 followersDr. Joshua Aaron Bowen graduated from the Johns Hopkins University in 2017, with a Ph.D. in Assyriology. He wrote his dissertation on the lamentational liturgies of the city of Kiš, and specializes in the Sumerian language. Joshua was awarded the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (D.A.A.D.) and Fulbright scholarship during the 2014-2015 academic year, allowing him to spend the year in Tubingen, Germany, working with Dr. Konrad Volk on his dissertation project.
As well as his Ph.D., Josh holds a B.S. in Religion from Liberty University, a Th.M. in the Old Testament from Capital Bible Seminary, and a M.A. in Near Eastern Studies from the Johns Hopkins University. Prior to entering academia, Joshua was a chaplain in the U.S. Airforce where he also gained an A.A. in Avionics.
As well as his Ph.D., Josh holds a B.S. in Religion from Liberty University, a Th.M. in the Old Testament from Capital Bible Seminary, and a M.A. in Near Eastern Studies from the Johns Hopkins University. Prior to entering academia, Joshua was a chaplain in the U.S. Airforce where he also gained an A.A. in Avionics.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 13, 2023
fajne, ale zbyt łopatologiczne
July 21, 2024
Very helpful for getting the basics
March 31, 2025
I’m honestly amazed at this clear and digestible little grammar book. Do you know how hard it is to find a grammar handbook for a living language, let alone Sumerian?? I have already ordered book 2
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews