Definition

Noun: 1. An ancient Anatolian language: Luwian refers to an extinct Indo-European language that was spoken in ancient Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and northern Syria during the 2nd and 1st millennia BCE. It is part of the Anatolian branch of the Indo-European language family, closely related to Hittite.

Usage

• As a language name: "Luwian" is used to identify the language itself, its speakers, or its associated culture. : Scholars study Luwian inscriptions to understand Bronze Age Anatolia. : The Luwian hieroglyphic script was used for monumental inscriptions.

Advanced Usage

• In linguistic classification: The term is used in academic contexts to discuss the Anatolian language group. : The relationship between Hittite and Luwian is a key topic in Indo-European studies.
• Cultural/historical context: Used to describe artifacts, people, or regions associated with this language. : Several Neo-Hittite states were predominantly Luwian-speaking.

Variants and Related Words

• Luwic (adj): Pertaining to the subgroup of Anatolian languages that includes Luwian and its closest relatives.
• Hieroglyphic Luwian: Refers to the form of the language written in a native hieroglyphic script.
• Cuneiform Luwian: Refers to the form of the language written in adapted cuneiform script.

Synonyms

• Luvian: An alternate spelling for Luwian.
• Anatolian language: A broader category to which Luwian belongs. (Note: This is a hypernym, not a direct synonym.)

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes the language. While "Luwian" can be used as an adjective (e.g., Luwian texts), its primary dictionary entry is as a noun for the language. The people are more precisely referred to as "Luwians."

Noun

1. an Anatolian language