How to Learn to Speak Hebrew

Hebrew is one of the most interesting and influential languages on the planet. As the language of the Jewish Bible (the Christian Old Testament), its words and meanings have had a profound impact on civilization. Learning to speak this modern language with ancient roots can be a challenging and rewarding endeavor.

Instructions

1. Determine your reasons for wanting to learn Hebrew and what you will do with the knowledge once you have it. Hebrew, like some other languages, uses different words and structures for speaking and for writing. Know whether conversation or literature is more important to you so you know how to proceed.

2. Learn the alphabet. Hebrew has a unique alphabet that it does not share with any other language. Learning the alphabet on your own is a simple and relatively easy way to get a head start on the language. Look at Judaism 101's alphabet page to get started with Hebrew letters and their sounds.

3. Find resources for yourself. Before jumping into an intensive language program, learning a little bit about Hebrew from books and websites is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with important elements and ensure that you are committed to learning the language. Check out Foundation Stone's online introduction to learning to speak Hebrew to get started.

4. Start a language course at a college or language school. There is no substitute for a good teacher when learning a language. Additionally, having other students to speak with is a critical part of the language learning process. Enroll in a language school such as Berlitz to diver deeper into the Hebrew language.

5. Take a trip to a Hebrew-speaking environment. Although Israel is by far the best place to go to learn Hebrew, it is not the only place. Many people in Jewish neighborhoods in New York and Los Angeles speak a good deal of Hebrew on a daily basis. Find a neighborhood like Brooklyn's Crown Heights to practice your new skills with the locals.