Learning Hebrew
61Learning Hebrew: The Challenge of a New Language
Learning Hebrew presents a series of challenges to the individual never exposed to non-Latin based language. At first the challenges seem to be quite significant.
The script of course is different and one writes and reads from right to left. Once these first challenges are overcome and a person has learned the alphabet or Alef-Bet, a few more challenges arrive. The distinctive guttural sounds of various letters can cause continued confusion, though practice of course does make perfect.
The next challenge is that of vocabulary. Having used various books to learn to read Hebrew I found several to be of benefit. The most valuable ones were those who made sure to present new Hebrew vocabulary first. Then a short story utilizing this new vocabulary in conjuction with previously learned vocabulary was presented. Finally basic grammar and basic conjugation followed.
The stories became increasingly more complex and were often shortened versions of Biblical or Talmudic stories. That provides some familiarity and extra help for those already familiar with these types of stories.
Road to Success in Studying Hebrew
The "secret" if there is one for learning Hebrew is finding the right mix of resources and varying them in your study. That is some programs are excellent for conversation, but do not address reading and writing Hebrew. Something as simple as vocabulary cards can add quite a bit to your vocabulary as well as your routine.
In my case, I used a Hebrew prayer book, I read the Hebrew BIble, I read basic stories, I used Pimsleur Hebrew, vocabulary cards, and have listened to music. I know this complicates the process since I am mixing Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew. The grammar of Modern Hebrew is a subset of Biblical Hebrew so in many cases the forms are simpler and more concise. While this may complicate the learning process, the continuity of Hebrew is considerable throughout various stages.
Basic Hebrew Lesson
Hebrew Resources
- Biblical Hebrew Course
This program includes everything you need to master reading, writing, analyzing, and translating Biblical Hebrew! - Psalms in Hebrew
Now, you too can pray the psalms of King David, saying the very words he wrote, spoke and sang in Leshon Hakodesh (the Holy tongue) - Hebrew. - First Steps in Hebrew Prayer
Learn Jewish prayer for beginners with the friendliest prayer tutorial. Hear every prayer and blessing on the enclosed CD. See text in English, Hebrew and transliteration. - Welcome to Hebrew: Complete DVD Self Study Course
In the 30 lessons of this course, you'll learn over 1200 new words! (more than what's covered in an ordinary Israeli Ulpan class!) - Pimsleur Hebrew I Comprehensive
Learn to speak Hebrew at an intermediate level in just thirty easy lessons with this highly effective course. Pimsleur audio courses teach you, in the shortest possible time, to understand & speak the essential elements of a new language. - Pimsleur Hebrew II Comprehensive
Will build on your knowledge and brings you up to the "Mid-Intermediate" level on the ACTFL scale. This course will provide the foundation skills for bilingual (spoken language) work requirements.
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Jacob Richman says:
2 years ago
You may also want to try this free audio site which incorporates 46 topics, along with over 1,700 Hebrew words and phrases. Each Hebrew word is presented as an image with nikud [vowels]. When you click on a word or phrase you can hear it spoken.