Workbook of Cuneiform Signs (Aids and research tools in ancient Near Eastern studies)

Rating:
Summary: A practical and well-designed workbook for beginners.
Review: A WORKBOOK OF CUNEIFORM SIGNS. Aids and Research Tools in Ancient Near Eastern Studies No.3. By Daniel C. Snell. 140 pp. Malibu : Undena Publications, 1979. ISBN 0-890003-058-8 (pbk.)

The author tells us that the idea for this workbook came from the 'Japanese Kana Workbook' by P. G. O'Neill (Palo Alto and Tokyo : Kodansha International 1967), a highly successful workbook for teaching the Japanese syllabary.

Snell's cuneiform workbook gives a similar course of programmed instruction that teaches the 110 most frequently used cuneiform signs. It teaches the standard Neo-Assyrian sign forms, and a method encouraging active use of the signs is presented on the grounds that an active knowledge of the signs will stay with the student longer.

The signs are divided into eight sections. Each section contains step-by-step exercises and ends with a quiz reviewing all the signs presented. Two appendices provide an alphabetic list of values taught and a list of the signs.

The 'Workbook' is designed for home study by students in beginning Akkadian classes and provides a practical and systematic introduction to the cuneiform writing system. It should be used in conjunction with R. Labat's 'Manuel d'Epigraphie akkadienne' (5th ed., Paris : Geuthner, 1976).

The book measures 8.5 by 11.0 inches, is well-printed on strong paper, and is bound in a sturdy wrapper. In both design and procedure it follows O'Neill's popular and highly effective 'Kana Workbook' very closely.

Snell's 'Workbook' is an excellent book which achieves what it sets out to do. Since it covers only 110 signs, it won't of course turn the user into a full-fledged scribe. But it will be of value to beginners in cuneiform, and it should help dispel some of the mystery which surrounds the beautiful but complicated cuneiform signs.