Canaano-Akkadian language

Canaano-Akkadian is an ancient Semitic language which was the written language of the Amarna letters from Canaan. It is a mixed language with mainly Akkadian vocabulary and Canaanite grammatical features. It used the cuneiform writing system of the Akkadian language.

Linguistic features
Canaano-Akkadian combined the Akkadian lexicon with Canaanite grammar, which influenced the syntax and morphology of the language. As such, the hybridization manifested in numerous ways, including:


 * Akkadian verbs were conjugated using Canaanite verb affixes, using the Akkadian term's 3MS form as the base.
 * a change i > e, seen in Canaano-Akkadian edin, for Akkadian idin, "give!".
 * elision of vowels between the root radicals r and b, seen in CA tîrbu for Akk. têrubu, "you enter".
 * a change -Vn > -CV in words which end with the energic marker -(n)na followed by a suffix or enclitic participle, seen in CA ištimûš+šu for Akk. ištemun+šu, "I have heard it"; and CA nûbbalûš+šu for Akk. nubbalun+šu, "we must bring him".