Preface

This Introduction to Ugaritic is prepared with the beginning student in mind. The beginner may use this introduction for self-directed study. However, many of the ambiguities and nuances of the language are not explained in detail here. Classroom study with an instructor and utilization of reference grammars can fill in these gaps. For example, much of Ugaritic morphology is reconstructed from comparison to other languages. Some of the finer points of the language remain uncertain. While striving not to mislead, this Introduction rarely indicates these uncertainties. Vocalizations are provided throughout. In many cases a given vocalization may be disputable. The goal is to provide at least one possible vocalization as a beginning foundation for learning the language. If dabḥu is not absolutely certain as the Ugaritic vocalization, it is at least one of the most likely possibilities. Also, one finds rather complete paradigms presented throughout. In truth, the Ugaritic language is not yet attested to the degree that would allow one to cite every paradigmatic verb form. This Introduction does not claim to be a reference grammar. It intends to explain the concepts of the verbal and nominal paradigms, not to cite only attested forms. For aesthetic reasons as much as pedagogical ones, I do not mark unattested forms. Having provided this disclaimer, it should be noted that examples of word forms and phrases are taken from or modeled closely upon attested texts in most cases. Further, internet resources supplement the Lessons, including citations of extant forms. As a first step toward learning Ugaritic, this Introduction aims to provide the foundation from which the student can progress toward a more detailed understanding of the difficulties of the language.