The Linguistic Link Between Elamite and Sumerian: Unraveling the Banana Language

Over the years, linguists and scholars have attempted to uncover the relationship between the Elamite and Sumerian languages. Despite initial speculation, the conclusion is clear: Elamite and Sumerian share no demonstrable genetic relationship. Yet, they do bear similarities that intrigue researchers, particularly the presence of the so-called 'Banana Language' – a Mesopotamian substrate language marked by the reduplication of the final syllable.

What is the Banana Language?

Depicted in ancient texts and languages, the 'Banana Language' is a unique linguistic trait characterized by the repetition of the final syllable. This replication is evident in both Elamite and Sumerian, suggesting a common linguistic ancestor or substrate. Key words in each language exhibit this pattern:

Elamite: Bu nene, Za baba, Ka baba, I nana, I gigi, A ruru Sumerian: Il haha, Ku nene, Hi lulu, Ki nunu, Na bubu

This linguistic feature has led scholars like Speiser (1930) and Blaek (1999) to postulate that the Elamite language or its close relatives were, in fact, the 'Banana Language.' This hypothesis suggests that Elamite played a significant role in the development of Sumerian as a substrate, a language underlying and influencing the evolution of another.

Other Linguistic Comparisons

Beyond the 'Banana Language,' further linguistic connections between Elamite and Sumerian can be observed. For instance, certain divine names in Sumerian lack internal etymological explanations and are often attributed to a substrate language. This recognized substrate influence by Elamite on Sumerian is a fascinating area of study.

Tamil and Eelam Language Connections

Beyond Sumerian, there are intriguing linguistic and cultural connections linking languages across vast distances. Consider the Tamil languages, which can be divided into two categories: Deravida Tamil and Eelam (also known as Tamol).

Deravida Tamil is spoken in southern India, while Eelam Tamil is spoken primarily in northeastern Sri Lanka and beyond. However, its unique linguistic features suggest deeper historical roots. Eelam Tamil, for instance, bears striking similarities to ancient Sumerian hieroglyphs and Mesopotamian languages, including the use of the term 'Banana Language.'

The ancient Eelam language is particularly interesting for its similarities to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. This is exemplified by the worship of gods in both regions, such as Murugan (an Eelam god similar to Vell and Murdak) and Sivan (a Sumerian king god). The areas of worship for Sivan, today known as Mugan and Vell, range across 90 countries. Similarly, traces of Sumerian influence can be found in ancient Hebrew, where terms like 'Devarim' (Tamil: Devaram) mirror the concept of 'Poem' in Tamil.

The Word 'Appa'

The word 'Appa,' meaning 'father,' exemplifies a shared linguistic heritage. This term is found in more than 1,000 languages, with the Eelam Tamil language holding ancient roots. Widely used in Sumerian, Akkadian, and even in English today, the term 'appa' underscores the deep historical connections between these languages.

Elamite and Sumerian Cultural Links

The cultural and linguistic links between Elamite and Sumerian extend beyond language. The worship of Sumerian gods, such as Sivan, still exists across 40,000 temples, supported by millions of worshippers. This cultural continuity is a testament to the significant influence of these ancient languages and cultures.

Finally, the Sumerian cuneiform script, once decipherable through Eelam Tamil, reveals a shared linguistic lineage. This ancient script, now interpreted by Eelam Tamils, highlights the interconnectedness of these languages and cultures.

In conclusion, the 'Banana Language' and shared linguistic features between Elamite and Sumerian, along with the broader legacies of Eelam Tamil, provide a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural connections. These shared elements continue to captivate scholars and researchers, offering endless fascination in the field of linguistics and archaeology.

Keywords: Elamite, Sumerian, Banana Language