Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs for Beginners

by Muata Ashby

This guidebook was prepared for those inquiring about how to enter into Hieroglyphic studies on their own at home or in study groups. First of all you should know that there are a few institutions around the world which teach how to read the Hieroglyphic text but due to the nature of the study there are perhaps only a handful of people who can read fluently. It is possible for anyone with average intelligence to achieve a high level of proficiency in reading inscriptions on temples and artifacts; however, reading extensive texts is another issue entirely. However, this introduction will give you entry into those texts if assisted by dictionaries and other aids. Most Egyptologists have a basic knowledge and keep dictionaries and notes handy when it comes to dealing with more difficult texts. Medtu Neter or the Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic language has been considered as a "Dead Language." However, dead languages have always been studied by individuals who for the most part have taught themselves through various means. This book will discuss those means and how to use them most efficiently

Genres: History, Egypt

501 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Thomas Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but I didn't learn how to read the hieroglyphs. Maybe a second effort will help... I'll think about it.

[Fanny Fae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Muata Ashby has done some wonderful work with the Sema Institute. I would like it, however, if he would use better hieroglyphic materials that are not in the public domain and by Sir E.A. Wallis Budge. Budge had great typesetting - but even in his day, his writings were inaccurate.
While Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs for beginners is a fantastic effort, he has got to link his readers to better resources and use better resources himself. Many of these things are freely available on the internet, including hieroglyphic software that can help learners as well.