The Consonantal /n/ in the Neo-Assyrian Language (911-612 B.C) :A Comparative Study

Abstract

The present study tackles the consonantal /n/ in Arabic and Assyrian languages which is followed by a consonantal letter. This /n/ is either an original part of the word or inserted to nouns, verbs, and prepositions whether it occurs initially, medially or finally. The issues related to this /n/ such as assimilation or pronouncing it as /n/ are dealt with. This is a comparative study one is only written and an heard while the other is written and spoken. The aim of study is to strengthen the links between the two Semitic languages, and to benefit from the Arab grammarians' studies in this respect for comparative purposes. As the neo- Assyrian language does not have a writing system. The derivation of the examples from the Assyrian language depended on the cuneiform texts and the vocabulary of the Glorious Quran. It was found out that there was great similarity between them as well as the similarity in the roots and linguistic phenomena.