A Layered Annotation Workflow for Semitic Epigraphy

Tal Bernstein, Shai Gordin, Letizia Cerqueglini


Abstract
This paper presents a layered annotation workflow for the historical linguistic study of Semitic epigraphic texts. Using a curated Phoenician corpus primarily based on Kanaanäische und Aramäische Inschriften (KAI), the system models inscriptions as multi-layered objects that encode graphemic, morphosyntactic, phonological, semantic, and contextual information as independently queryable layers. Annotation is embedded in a structured editorial workflow supporting peer review, expert validation, version tracking, and the representation of variant readings and uncertainty. A case study demonstrates how recurring formulaic constructions can be modeled as morphosyntactic configurations retrievable across inscriptions. Although the current corpus is limited in scope, the data model is language-agnostic, designed for extension to other Semitic epigraphic traditions.
Anthology ID:
2026.lt4hala-1.18
Volume:
Proceedings of the Fourth Workshop on Language Technologies for Historical and Ancient Languages (LT4HALA 2026) @ LREC 2026
Month:
May
Year:
2026
Address:
Palma, Mallorca (Spain)
Editors:
Rachele Sprugnoli, Marco Passarotti
Venues:
LT4HALA | WS
SIG:
Publisher:
ELRA Language Resources Association (ELRA)
Note:
Pages:
197–210
Language:
External URL:
https://lrec.elra.info/lrec2026-ws-lt4hala-18
DOI:
10.63317/5h3xy7mbk7rj
Bibkey:
Cite (ACL):
Tal Bernstein, Shai Gordin, and Letizia Cerqueglini. 2026. A Layered Annotation Workflow for Semitic Epigraphy. In Proceedings of the Fourth Workshop on Language Technologies for Historical and Ancient Languages (LT4HALA 2026) @ LREC 2026, pages 197–210, Palma, Mallorca (Spain). ELRA Language Resources Association (ELRA).
Cite (Informal):
A Layered Annotation Workflow for Semitic Epigraphy (Bernstein et al., LT4HALA 2026)
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