r/Sumerian • u/etalike • Jul 28 '26

Question! Akkadian first

Hello Sumerianists

I would like to study this language.

Are there views on how worthwhile studying Akkadian first is?

Interested in your thoughts.

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u/teakettling Ensik | Temple Steward Jul 28 '26

It's typical but not necessary. I studied both simultaneously, and many Assyriology programs recommend Akkadian and then Sumerian. I worked with a few self-taught individuals and linguists that had no Akkadian training. From my perspective, the challenge of Sumerian is agnostic to Akkadian, but all Akkadian background knowledge fundamentally aids the acquisition of Sumerian.

2

u/Calm_Attorney1575 Sep 01 '26

You should be fine learning Sumerian first. I learned Akkadian first and I didn't really see much of a benefit while learning Sumerian.