Exploring the Oldest Lexicography in the World
The Origin of Lexicography
The field of lexicography, the practice and science of making dictionaries, is as old as human civilization itself. Among the earliest known examples of lexicography is a bilingual Sumerian-Akkadian language dictionary inscribed on clay tablets. This remarkable collection dates back to the Akkadian Empire, circa 2300 BCE, making it the oldest lexicographical work in existence. The tablets showcase the complex nature of language at that time, reflecting the cultural and linguistic exchanges of the ancient world.
Another famous lexicographical work is the Ra Shidji, a Sumerian-Akkadian dictionary. While the exact date of this work is not definitively known, it is believed to be contemporaneous with the aforementioned clay tablets. Such bilingual dictionaries played a crucial role in communication and scholarship during the ancient Mesopotamia era, reflecting the advanced state of language documentation.
The Rosetta Stone: A Key to Decipherment
The Rosetta Stone, while not a dictionary, serves as a crucial tool for understanding ancient languages. This quartzite stele inscribed in 196 BCE with the same text in three scripts—Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek—provided the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. This monumental discovery enabled scholars to unlock the secrets of ancient Egyptian language and culture, paving the way for modern linguistics.
Despite these significant ancient examples, it is important to note that the visual and cultural context of these works has been instrumental in their interpretation. For instance, early text often relied heavily on pictographs, where pictures conveyed complex meanings. The phrase, Pictures are worth thousands of words!, aptly describes this aspect of ancient lexicography.
Early Hebrew Alphabets
A significant milestone in the evolution of alphabetic systems is the earliest known Hebrew alphabet. According to an article in the Israeli magazine Maoz Israel, this early form of Hebrew script is claimed to be the earliest known alphabet. Founded by Shira Sokoro-Ram, Maoz Israel has been operational since 1974 and often includes articles on archeological discoveries and linguistic research.
The September 2019 issue of Maoz Israel featured an article on early Hebrew alphabets. This early script, dating back to the 12th century BCE, provides remarkable insights into the transition from pictographic to alphabetic writing systems. While this development is significant, it is important to evaluate the reliability and context of the claims made in the article.
Trusted Dictionaries in the English Language
In the modern era, the world’s most trusted and reliable dictionaries in the English language are often attributed to Oxford or Cambridge universities. These dictionaries provide comprehensive and secular definitions, making them invaluable resources for scholars, students, and general readers alike. However, it is worth noting that English language dictionaries have roots that go back much further, particularly in missionary work and religious devotion.
Many early religious and missionary dictionaries offer words and definitions within a theological or doctrinal context, reflecting the significant influence of religious texts and interpretations on language and lexicography. For example, dictionaries published by national churches or missionary organizations during the English expansion provided the primary language education and documentation for the English-speaking world. These dictionaries often included words and concepts that were central to the religious beliefs and practices of the time.
Conclusion
The history of lexicography is a rich tapestry of language creation and documentation. From the earliest Sumerian-Akkadian dictionaries to the earliest known Hebrew alphabet, and through the development of the Rosetta Stone and modern English dictionaries, the journey of language has been both complex and fascinating. As we continue to study and document languages, we not only enrich our understanding of the world but also strengthen our ability to communicate across cultures and eras.