Cuneiform system of writing as ancient civilizations value

Roman Vasko
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Roman Vasko: Kyiv National Linguistic University

Chapter 1 in Language. Culture. Discourse, 2022, pp 52-67 Part: 2 from PC TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Abstract: This section of the monograph examines the preconditions for the emergence of the first writings, the oldest of which is the cuneiform writing system, invented by the ancient Sumerians, which became a catalyst in the formation of key values in ancient civilizations. The etymological versions of the word civilization are commented and it is substantiated that its internal form is based on the feature reflected in the word civis "citizen" and its numerous genetic derivatives in different languages, including the English equivalent city. The conclusions of historians, archeologists and culturologists have been reaffirmed. The first civilizations took place against the backdrop of ancient city-states, where citizens adhered to established norms of behaviour and lifestyle, showing respect and esteem for the city's values and traditions. To fix all kinds of civilizational existence, writing emerged as a conscious act of the ancient Sumerians. The history of Sumerian values is briefly considered, which had three periods: early dynastic, Akkadian and late Sumerian. Some facts of value priorities in other ancient civilized states are given. The periods in the history of the development of the Sumerian language are characterized by the nature of the writing of the cuneiform monuments found, which are distinguished by well-known Sumerian scholars of today. Genetic and typological versions of the origin of the Sumerian language have been analysed, which are currently controversial. It is concluded that the cuneiform system of writing ensured the formation of key values (cognitive, hedonistic, utilitarian, aesthetic and moral) for the existence of ancient civilizations.

Keywords: First writings; Sumerian civilization; cuneiform system of writing; Sumerian language; values of ancient civilizations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:baq:pcchap:978-617-7319-60-2.4

DOI: 10.15587/978-617-7319-60-2.4

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