Ultimately, it is important to understand Canaano-Akkadian not as a language per se, but as “a scribal code that adapted cuneiform to the unique needs of Canaanite scribes.” This system was employed in various ways not by a single scribal community, but by individuals writing on behalf of rulers across Canaan. Thanks to the discovery of the Amarna Letters, we are able to study the writing practices of these scribes and learn about their vital role in Late Bronze Age diplomacy.As usual, this BHD essay summarizes a BAR article (by Dr. Alice Mandell) which is behind the subscription wall. Dr Mandell is also giving an online lecture on the Amarna Letters this Saturday for BAS. For registration and payment information, see here.
As for the essay, Canaano-Akkadian is a funny hybrid language. But it's very useful for helping philologists understand what LBA Canaanite in Palestine and Lebanon was like. I suspect it was less useful as a diplomatic communication tool. I recall many years ago one of my teachers saying that he imagined the Egyptian courtiers rolling on the floor laughing as they heard the letters from the Canaanite kings read out. Hopefully they paraphrased for the Pharaoh's ears.
Some related PaleoJudaica posts are here, here, here, here, and here,
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