Technology in Sumerian Text Translation: A Review of Tools and Techniques
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29304/jqcsm.2025.17.11968Keywords:
Sumerian language, Cuneiform, NLP, Language Translation, OCRAbstract
The Sumerian language, among the earliest recorded languages, originated in Mesopotamia centuries ago and was inscribed on clay tablets using "cuneiform." These artifacts are currently housed in several museums in Iraq and internationally. The translation of these inscriptions poses a challenge for scholars due to the scarcity of texts and their intricate structure, necessitating a labor-intensive manual translation process that is susceptible to errors. Nonetheless, the progression of contemporary technology, particularly in machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and optical character recognition (OCR), is ushering Sumerian text translation into a new epoch. This research examines the utilization of digital technology to analyze and interpret Sumerian culture, emphasizing successful implementations, ongoing initiatives, and prospective advancements. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with specialist expertise might enhance the accuracy and accessibility of Sumerian translation, therefore preserving and elucidating ancient history.
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