L1.1: The Semantic Root
L1.1: The Semantic Root#
In the Akkadian language, as in all Semitic languages, most words consist of a root. A root is a sequence of consonants in which a pattern of internal vowels are used to modify it. Each consonant of the root is called radical (abb. R). Additionally prefixes, infixes, suffixes and consonant doubling can also be employed to modify it, in order to build verbs, adjectives, nouns and adverbs. See the following root:
P-R-S = to divide, separate, select, decide.
Vowel Pattern |
Akkadian Word |
Morphological Analysis |
Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
R₁aR₂āR₃ |
parāsum |
Verb in infinitive + Suffix (nominative ending) |
to divide |
R₁uR₂uR₃ |
purus |
Verb in imperative |
divide! |
R₁uR₂R₂uR₃ |
purrusum |
Verb in infinitive with doubling of the second radical + Suffix (nominative ending) |
cut off |
iR₁R₂uR₃ |
iprus |
Verb in preterite |
he decided |
R₁aR₂R₃ |
parsum |
Adjective + Suffix (nominative ending) |
cut off, separate |
R₁iR₂R₃ |
pirsum |
Noun + Suffix (nominative ending) |
division |
Note
The root P-R-S is the model root. It is used to describe a pattern: parāsum, pirs, pars, purs, parās, etc. It is like the verb פעל in Hebrew.
There are also roots of two, four and five:
Vowel Pattern |
P-R-S model |
Word Class |
Morphological Analysis |
Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
R₁uR₂ |
pus |
mutum |
Noun + Suffix (nominative ending) |
husband |
R₁āR₂ |
pās |
kāpum |
Noun + Suffix (nominative ending) |
rock, cliff |
R₁aR₂R₁aR₂ |
paspas |
kakkabum (<*kabkabum>) |
Noun + Suffix (nominative ending) |
star |
R₁aR₂R₃aR₄iR₅ |
paršaddid |
šaršabittum |
Noun + Suffix (nominative ending) |
a tree |
Note
Five radical roots are very rare.