Learn to Read Ancient Sumerian: An Introduction for Complete Beginners. - Softcover

Bowen, Joshua Aaron; Lewis, Megan Hollie Caroline

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1734358602 ISBN 13: 9781734358605

Publisher: Digital Hammurabi Press, 2019

Synopsis

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!

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Joshua Bowen graduated from the Johns Hopkins University in 2017, with a Ph.D. in Assyriology, specializing in the Sumerian language. He wrote his dissertation on the (unorthographic) Sumerian lamentational liturgies that were excavated from the Old Babylonian city of Kiš. Joshua completed a Th.M. in Old Testament studies from Capital Bible Seminary, where he wrote his thesis on the meaning of the divine title "El Shaddai." He also holds an M.A. in Near Eastern Studies from the Johns Hopkins University, and graduated with a B.S. in Religion from Liberty University.

Megan Lewis is an Assyriologist and YouTuber with a B.A. in Ancient History and an M.Phil. in Assyriology from the University of Birmingham (U.K.), and an M.A. in Near Eastern Studies from The Johns Hopkins University. She attained ABD status in the Ph.D. program at The Johns Hopkins University before deciding that her energy was better spent elsewhere, but hopes to achieve her doctorate at a later date.

Megan lives in Southern Maryland with her husband, Joshua Bowen, and their three children. She spends her time shepherding children, writing scripts for their YouTube channel, Digital Hammurabi, and animating videos for their children's channel, AniMesopotamia.

Edition details

• Publisher: Digital Hammurabi Press
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1734358602
• ISBN 13: 9781734358605
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 274