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Live & Learn Ancient Egyptian and Hieroglyphs
Home>>Language Index>Ancient Egyptian, HieroglyphsAudio Lessons Software Translation Dictionaries Exercise Books Flashcards Video & Media Learn Online Immersion Culture Corner
We think you'll find everything you could possibly hope to learn on or through this website. However if there is something you
would like to know but can’t seem to find it through us, please let us know - we will be happy to do some research and do our
best to dig it up, and improve the site for you. The comment box is at the bottom of this page. Did you know? Some Egyptian words that have survived into English are: ebony (which came to us from Egyptian via Greek and then Latin), and ivory. Language SynopsisSo what is the difference between the language currently spoken in Egypt and the language that was spoken in Egypt, in ancient times? The modern-day language in Egypt is Arabic, whereas, long ago it was Egyptian. In fact, ancient Egyptian is one of the oldest recorded languages known, with some written records having been dated from about 3200 BC.
As a day-to-day spoken language, this ancient tongue came to be extinct by the 17th century. Therefore, a huge discovery and guide to understanding ancient hieroglyphs was the Rosetta Stone, which you see to the left. It was created in 196 BC and discovered by the French in 1799 along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. The text on the stone, in three languages, is a decree from Ptolemy V. You can see how having the same text, in three different languages, would help to decipher Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs... since a comparison of the texts would reveal the meaning. The Rosetta Stone is currently held and can be viewed at the British Museum in London. Ancient Egyptian Audio LessonsInternet freebies: You may ask, is it even possible to know how this language would have sounded? Here is an article about the pronunciation of this so-called extinct language. Ancient Egyptian Software
Egyptian Hieroglyphs Made Easy  is highly reviewed on Amazon, given 4 stars and said to provide not only the basics and but also valuable tests and exercises that that the reviewer found "extremely valuable". This user also went on to say that it is the "best software program on the market that I have found so far".
Ancient Egyptian Dictionaries
Egyptian Hieroglyphic Dictionary  currently has no reviews on Amazon but with 536 pages and special offers available, it really gives some bang for your buck!
Ancient Egyptian Exercise Books
On Amazon you will find plenty of books and resources for learning to read and draw/write hieroglyphs. Here is one that we think brings the best value:
How to Read Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Teach Yourself, Revised Edition is a 192 page book and highly reviewed on Amazon. Whether it be for the casual museum goer or the more in-depth student of Egyptology, it seems to cover all bases. One buyer said that this book is "excellent in basic vocabulary building and basic grammar. And, if you're like me and will make flash cards, you'll become a better draw-er too."
Amazon also provides a free "look inside" feature for this book, so you can preview before you buy!
Internet freebies: We highly recommend the following site for it's clean and simple approach.
FlashcardsTry memorizing the Hieroglyphic alphabet using a flashcard method... print off the symbols onto small cards and look over them when you get a few spare moments, for example while in a line-up or on public transport, its a sure way to learn them without having to buy out time from your busy schedule!
Video & MediaAccording to Wikipedia, for the film Stargate, Egyptologist Stuart Tyson Smith was commissioned to develop a constructed language to simulate the tongue of ancient Egyptians. He also created the Egyptian dialogue for The Mummy (1999 film).
Internet freebies: Watch this video series to get an idea of Egyptian heiroglyphs and if you get time, try replicating the images onto your own set of flashcards, to review later when you get some spare moments. The actual symbols start at about 2:40 in this first video:
Language ImmersionSurrounding yourself with Ancient Egyptian words and sounds and music will be the very best way to learn, trust us. We are looking into courses abroad at the moment, and will soon be able to recommend one or two. Until then, feel free to do your best to immerse yourself where you live, using the following suggestions… for example, use a dictionary and draw your own heiroglyphs like “table”, "door", "window", "bed", "chair", "mirror" etc and stick them onto those items around the house. Over time these words will automatically become part of your vocabulary, without even trying to memorize them! You could also in time join some verbs, like eat, open/close, wash, boil, sleep, sit, look, etc so as to associate them with the objects. Try it! Internet freebies: Immerse yourself right away by exposing yourself to all of the hieroglyphics and explanations that can be found here. Ancient Egypt Culture CornerArt and Literature: Here is a great archive of documents and paintings. Cultural Quirks: Just for fun, here are few different versions of the song "Walk like an Egyptian"...
Walk Like An Egyptian (Album Version)
National Dishes and recipes: here is a nicely written article about the food of those days. Traditional Music:
Arensky: Egyptian Nights Jewelry:Here is a great little gem of a site where you can enter your name and create a personalized cartouche! Help Others Live & LearnHave you embarked on the exciting and challenging journey of learning Ancient Egyptian hyerogliphs? If so we'd love to hear which resources you found useful. Please e-mail us your finding using the form below. Your shared language learning experiences will save other language learners' time, energy, and money. In fact, that is the the mission of Live & Learn Languages!
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