Luwian language facts for kids
Luwian was an ancient language spoken by the Luwian people. It belonged to the Anatolian branch of the larger Indo-European languages family. This language was spoken in what is now Turkey many centuries ago. Sadly, Luwian died out around 600 BCE, meaning no one speaks it anymore.
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What was the Luwian language?
Luwian was a very old language. It was part of the Anatolian group, which also included Hittite. Both of these languages are part of the huge Indo-European language family. This family includes many languages spoken today, like English, Spanish, and Hindi.
Where did people speak Luwian?
The Luwian language was spoken in a region called Anatolia. This area is mostly modern-day Turkey. The Luwians lived there during the Bronze Age and Iron Age. They were neighbors with other powerful groups, like the Hittites.
How was Luwian written?
The Luwian people used two main ways to write their language. One was called cuneiform, and the other was a special kind of hieroglyphics. These writing systems help us learn about their history and culture.
Cuneiform writing
Luwian cuneiform was borrowed from the Mesopotamian writing system. It used wedge-shaped marks pressed into clay tablets. Linguists, who are language experts, have studied these tablets. They believe Luwian cuneiform had special symbols for certain sounds. These sounds are called laryngeal consonants.
Hieroglyphic writing
Luwian hieroglyphics were different from the Egyptian ones. They used pictures and symbols carved into stone or written on other materials. These hieroglyphs often told stories about kings, gods, and important events. Many monuments and seals have Luwian hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Why did Luwian disappear?
Like many ancient languages, Luwian eventually died out. This often happens when new languages become more popular. Or when the people who speak a language are conquered or move away. Around 600 BCE, Luwian was no longer spoken. However, studying it helps us understand ancient history. It also helps us learn about how languages change over time.
Images for kids
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Stele of Sultanhan, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara.
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Basalt bowl with engraved inscription in Luwian hieroglyphics found in Babylon in the 1880s and now in the collection of the British Museum
See also
In Spanish: Idioma luvita para niños
