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  • From: Rolf Furuli <furuli AT online.no>
  • To: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Ugaritic Studies
  • Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:50:30 +0100


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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