The oldest known language in the world is said to be Sumerian, which was spoken in the historical region of Sumer, located in modern-day Iraq. While many languages have since evolved and developed, it is essential to understand the significance of Sumerian and the impact it has had on language and culture throughout history. Therefore, teaching students about Sumerian can provide an exceptional learning opportunity that can foster a deeper understanding of the evolution of language and writing systems.
When teaching about Sumerian, it is necessary to give students some historical context about the region and the people who spoke this language. Sumer was one of the first civilizations in the world and is often referred to as the ‘cradle of civilization.’ This ancient civilization existed over 5,000 years ago, and the people of Sumer are credited with many significant developments, such as the development of the first system of writing, known as cuneiform.
Students can explore the characteristics of Sumerian, such as its unique writing system and the cultural practices that influenced it. The cuneiform system of writing is an excellent example of a pictographic and abstract system of writing that was utilized by the Sumerians. Students can learn about the meanings of different symbols and how they were combined to form words and sentences.
Other topics of discussion could include the contributions of Sumerian language and culture to mathematics, literature, and religion. For example, Sumerians are credited with the development of the sexagesimal system of measuring time and angles, which is used to this day in things like time-keeping and navigation.
Additionally, Sumerians are known for their religious beliefs, such as the creation myth found in the epic tale of Gilgamesh. Students can learn about how language was used to communicate early religious ideas, and how the Sumerians developed unique traditions around their gods and goddesses.
Another exciting topic of conversation could be the influence of Sumerian language on other languages, both ancient and modern. Sumerian is thought to have been an early influence on Akkadian, a Semitic language that went on to influence the development of Hebrew and Arabic.
The study of Sumerian can also help students understand how language has developed and made progress over time. In clear terms, Sumerian was a language that enabled the people of Sumer to communicate and share their stories, history, and culture. Today, it continues to influence the development of human civilizations.
In conclusion, teaching students about ancient Sumerian language paves the way for them to learn about the roots of modern language development. This intriguing topic can give them a practical understanding of how writing systems and languages have impacted civilizations throughout history. By learning this, students can appreciate the importance of language and culture and the impact it has on the world’s evolution.
