Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Rolf Furuli <furuli AT online.no>]

Dear Matt,

 The best way to learn Ugaritic, in my view, when you are not 
learning it in class, is to read Ugaritic texts and translate them. I 
suggest that you start with the text about king Kirta (also written 
Keret). Here you will find an account about the future expressed with 
prefix forms, and then you will find the same account with the same 
words, but now the verbs (prefix forms) have past reference. In my 
view, this is an interesting parallel to Hebrew where the prefix form 
(mostly WAYYIQTOL but also YIQTOL) is used with pat reference, and in 
other contexts the prefix forms (mostly as YIQTOLs but also as 
WAYYIQTOLs   and WEYIQTOLs) are used with present and future 
reference.)

Of the fine list of grammars given by James, I suggest that you 
borrow Sivan's English grammar at the library, and on the basis of 
its usefulness to you, decide whether you will buy a copy. I will 
particularly recommend this grammar.

You need also to use G. del Olmo Lete & J. Sanmartin. "A Dictionary 
of the Ugaritic Language in the Alphabetic Tradition" Here you will 
find cognates of Ugaritic words in other Semitic languages. If you 
read Kirta, you will find that perhaps 50% of the Ugaritic words have 
very similar Hebrew cognates. To make a list of these would be fine, 
because in this way your knowledge of Hebrew will help you to learn 
Ugaritic.

In the beginning of your studies it is not so important to find the 
stem and conjugation of a verb. But you should not wait long before 
you do this. To learn the vocalization of the different verb forms is 
fine as well. But to read Ugatitic texts and translating them is the 
most important thing to do.


Best regards,

Rolf Furuli
University of Oslo


> Hello all,
>
> I am new the list and have some questions concerning Ugaritic (I am 
> pretty sure this is an appropriate topic).  I am just looking for 
> any advice or digital resources anyone might have concerning the 
> study of the Ugaritic language.  I have studied Biblical Hebrew for 
> about 2 years and and been studying (to the best of my ability) 
> Ugaritic for 2 weeks or so.  I have A Primer on Ugaritic: Language, 
> Culture and Literature by William M. Schniedewind and Joel H. Hunt 
> and have found it helpful so far, but am feeling like a little more 
> direction would be helpful.  With that background in mind here are 
> some questions I have been having (any help with all or some would 
> be greatly appreciated):
>
> How important is it to learn how to reconstruct vowel (the whole 
> process seems so subjective)?
> Should I be memorizing vocabulary (right now I have just memorized a 
> few words and the rest I just figure out based on my Hebrew/look up)?
> Does anyone have any digital vocabulary cards (if people even make 
> flashcards for Ugaritic vocabulary)?
> Is the book I have (mentioned above) the best for self-teaching?  Do 
> I need to be using something in conjunction with it?
> Are there any online/digital resources that are useful (I've only 
> come across Quartz Hill School of Theology, which looks less than 
> helpful)?
>
> Any other tips/secret keys to unlocking the language are welcome.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Matt
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