Number: 2451
Proto-Semitic: *kurkiy-
Meaning: goose, crane
Akkadian: kurkû 'goose' [CAD k 561], 'eine Haushuhnart (?)' [AHw. 510] (corrected to 'Gans' in the Addenda [ibid. 1568]). The term has been extensively treated in a special study [Landsberger kurkû]. The interpretation of k. as 'hen' (quited widespread in earlier literature and accepted in [AHw.]) appears completely untenable for Landsberger (also comparison of k. to IE terms for 'hen' suggested by von Soden). At the same time, he carefully examines the evidence for tranlating k. as 'crane' (with references to earlier works by Campbell Thompson, Tallquist, Wiseman) but definitely prefers the interpretation 'goose'. As one can deduce from fn. 52, Landsberger regards the WS terms as Akk. loans but finds no argument to explain the meaning shift 'goose' > 'crane'. Cf. also [Salonen Vögel 216ff.].
Judaic Aramaic: kurkǝyā 'crane' [Ja. 625].
Syrian Aramaic: kurkǝyā 'grus' [Brock. 346], [PS 1826].
Mandaic Aramaic: kurkia 'crane' [DM 209].
Arabic: kurkiyy- 'grue' [BK 2 888], [WKAS k 136], [LA X 481].
Geʕez (Ethiopian): kʷarāki, korki 'crane' [LGz. 291].
Notes: According to [Zimmern 51], the Arm. forms are borrowed from Akkadian. The Akk. form, in its turn, is usually regarded as a borrowing from Sum. KUR.GI ([CAD], [AHw.], [LGz.]). In fact, only an Arabism in Gez. can be supported by convincing argumentation: while korki perfectly fits the popular Arb. pronunciation of the classical kurkiyy-, kʷarāki is likely a blend of the sg. kurkiyy- (which alone can account for Gez. kʷǝ-) and the broken pl. karākiyy-. [LGz. 291]: Gez. (< Arb.), Arm., Arb., Akk. (< Sum.).
