Learn how Akkadian used the cuneiform writing system
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Akkadian is an ancient East Semitic language. Ancient scribes adapted cuneiform signs that had developed for Sumerian. A written sign can function syllabically or as a Sumerogram, with an Akkadian reading.
In the examples below, the glyph is a logographic writing option, not an assertion that the Akkadian pronunciation has the same sounds as the Sumerian sign name.
𒈗 (LUGAL) may be read as Akkadian šarrum / šarru, “king,” depending on case and context.
𒂍 (E₂) may represent Akkadian bītum / bītu, “house.”
𒀭 (AN/DINGIR) may represent ilum / ilu, “god.”
Real texts may instead spell these words syllabically; transliteration and translational interpretation require context.
| Cuneiform Sumerogram | Common Akkadian word (nominative) | English | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 𒈗 LUGAL | šarrum | king | Written sign name ≠ Akkadian pronunciation |
| 𒂍 E₂ | bītum | house | Also appears in syllabic spellings |
| 𒀭 AN / DINGIR | ilum | god | Can serve as a determinative |
| 𒌉 DUMU / TUR | mārum | son | Reading depends on the linguistic context |