Why did scribal schools continue teaching Sumerian after Akkadian became the spoken language?

After Sumerian was replaced by Akkadian as the spoken language around 2000 BCE, it continued to be taught in Mesopotamian scribal schools primarily because it was the language of a vast, foundational literary tradition.12

Sumerian literature—which included myths, epics, hymns, lamentations, and wisdom compositions—was considered a vital part of the scribal curriculum. By studying and copying these texts, students preserved a significant body of work that had been passed down through generations. This practice ensured the survival of major cultural and religious texts, as scribes meticulously duplicated and supplemented existing works to maintain the record.12

Furthermore, because Sumerian was the language in which cuneiform writing originated, it remained essential for the professional training of scribes who needed to master the complex writing system. The study of Sumerian persisted in Babylonian schools for many centuries, with even late rulers like Ashurbanipal priding themselves on their ability to read the language, demonstrating its enduring status as a prestigious and necessary skill for the intellectual elite of ancient Mesopotamia.13