Akkadian language

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Akkadian language is an extinct East Semitic language that was spoken in ancient Mesopotamia, which is comprised of present-day Iraq, eastern Syria, and southern Turkey. The earliest texts in Akkadian date back to the 25th century BCE, making it one of the oldest recorded languages. Akkadian was named after the city of Akkad, a major center of Mesopotamian civilization. The language was used for administration, literature, and inscriptions for nearly two millennia, until it was gradually replaced by Aramaic.

History and Development

Akkadian evolved from the Semitic languages, sharing features with Hebrew, Arabic, and Aramaic. It is divided into several periods: Old Akkadian (c. 2500–1950 BCE), Old Babylonian/Old Assyrian (c. 1950–1530 BCE), Middle Babylonian/Middle Assyrian (c. 1530–1000 BCE), and Late Babylonian (c. 1000–100 BCE). The transition between these stages reflects changes in phonology, morphology, and syntax over time.

Writing System

Akkadian was primarily written using the Cuneiform script, which it inherited from the non-Semitic Sumerian civilization. Cuneiform involves pressing a reed stylus into clay tablets to create wedge-shaped marks. The script was adapted to represent the sounds of Akkadian, which included a range of consonants and vowels. Over centuries, the writing system evolved, with variations in script style and complexity.

Grammar

Akkadian grammar is characterized by its use of prefixes, suffixes, and infixes to indicate grammatical relationships. The language has a typical Semitic root system, where words are formed from a base set of consonants to convey a concept. Verbs in Akkadian are conjugated to express tense, mood, voice, and aspect, and they agree with their subjects in person, number, and gender. Nouns are declined for case (nominative, genitive, accusative) and number (singular, dual, plural).

Literature and Texts

Akkadian literature encompasses a wide range of genres, including mythology, epic poetry, legal documents, and historical records. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known works of literature, was written in Akkadian. Other significant texts include legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi, and vast collections of letters, economic records, and administrative documents that provide insight into the social, economic, and political life of Mesopotamia.

Decline and Legacy

The decline of the Akkadian language began in the first millennium BCE, as Aramaic rose in prominence. By the end of the 1st millennium BCE, Akkadian had largely fallen out of use, surviving only in scholarly or religious contexts. However, its influence persisted, particularly in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and law. Modern knowledge of Akkadian comes from archaeological discoveries, including thousands of clay tablets and inscriptions that have been deciphered by linguists and historians.

See Also

• Sumerian language
• Cuneiform script
• Mesopotamia
• Semitic languages