1. The Writing System:
* Cuneiform is not an alphabet, but a syllabic script. This means each symbol represents a syllable (like "ba," "da," "ki," etc.), not a single letter.
* There are over 600 cuneiform signs. Many signs have multiple pronunciations depending on context.
* Cuneiform is a logographic script. This means many signs can also represent entire words, similar to how we use symbols like "$" for "dollar."
2. The Language:
* Most cuneiform texts are written in Akkadian, an ancient Semitic language.
* However, cuneiform was used to write many other languages, such as Sumerian, Elamite, Hittite, and Hurrian.
* Understanding the grammar and vocabulary of the language is crucial.
3. The Context:
* The subject matter of the text is important for interpretation. For example, a legal text will use different vocabulary than a religious text.
* The historical and cultural context of the text helps to understand the meaning.
Tools for Deciphering Cuneiform:
* Bilingual dictionaries: These list Akkadian words and their Sumerian equivalents, helping decipher logograms.
* Grammar books: These explain the grammar of the languages written in cuneiform.
* Lexicons: These are large dictionaries listing thousands of cuneiform signs and their meanings.
* Modern translations of texts: These provide an understanding of the text's content and context.
In short, the key to understanding cuneiform is to approach it with a multi-faceted understanding of the writing system, the language, and the context of the texts.