Complete Middle Egyptian

Synopsis

Designed for complete beginners, and tested for years with real learners, Complete Middle Egyptian offers a bridge from the textbook to the real world, enabling you to learn the grammar, access inscriptions in documents and monuments and even teaching you how to draw hieroglyphs yourself.

Structured around key artefacts and introducing both the original hieroglyphs and transliteration (for easier understanding) this course also features:

-16 learning units plus pronunciation section, grammar reference, sign list overview and sign list explanation
-Stepped progression - clearly graduated progress through different levels of the language
-Authentic materials - language taught through key artefacts and texts
-Teaches the key skills - reading and understanding hieroglyphs
-Culture insights - learn about the culture, society and politics in ancient Egypt
-Self tests and learning activities - see and track your own progress

Rely on Teach Yourself, trusted by language learners for over 75 years.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Middle Egyptian

* Defines Middle Egyptian and its historical significance
* Explains the purpose and structure of the book
* Provides a brief overview of Egyptian history and hieroglyphics

Chapter 2: The Alphabet and Basic Grammar

* Introduces the different hieroglyphs used in Middle Egyptian
* Explains the basics of grammar, including noun classes, verbs, and pronouns
* Includes practice exercises using real examples:
* Transliteration of the word "she" as "sy"
* Translation of the sentence "The man goes to the house" as "rꜢ.k rn=f pr"

Chapter 3: Nouns and Pronouns

* Covers different types of nouns, including singular, plural, and abstract nouns
* Explains the use of determinatives to indicate noun classes
* Discusses personal and demonstrative pronouns
* Real example:
* Identifying the noun "god" as masculine and using the determinative "nṯr"

Chapter 4: Verbs

* Introduces different tenses and moods of verbs
* Explains the formation and conjugation of verbs
* Covers irregular verbs and verbal forms
* Real example:
* Conjugating the verb "to write" (sšm) in the perfect tense

Chapter 5: Adjectives and Adverbs

* Explains the use of adjectives and adverbs in Middle Egyptian
* Covers different types of adjectives, including possessive, demonstrative, and qualitative adjectives
* Discusses the use of prepositions
* Real example:
* Using the adjective "big" (wr) to describe a house

Chapter 6: Prepositions and Conjunctions

* Covers the various prepositions used in Middle Egyptian
* Explains the use of conjunctions to connect words, phrases, and clauses
* Discusses the use of relative clauses
* Real example:
* Using the preposition "in" (m) to indicate location

Chapter 7: Texts and Exercises

* Presents a variety of Middle Egyptian texts, ranging from simple phrases to longer narratives
* Includes exercises to reinforce grammar and vocabulary
* Real example:
* Reading a passage about the journey of an individual to the afterlife

Chapter 8: Advanced Grammar

* Covers more advanced grammatical concepts, such as the use of modals, negatives, and gerunds
* Explains the use of relative pronouns and subordinate clauses
* Discusses the formation of passive and causative verbs
* Real example:
* Using the modal verb "may" (sḏm) to express a request

Chapter 9: Grammar Reference

* Provides a comprehensive reference guide to Middle Egyptian grammar, including paradigms, tables, and indices
* Offers a valuable tool for students and researchers alike

Chapter 10: Vocabulary and Glossary

* Includes over 1,000 common Middle Egyptian words and phrases
* Provides definitions, examples, and etymology
* Real example:
* Defining the word "house" (pr) and listing its different meanings