How to Learn Biblical Hebrew Online
Online education can be a simple, enjoyable and convenient way to learn Biblical Hebrew. Although mastering a language is naturally challenging, there are certain methods that can ease frustration and quicken the process. Biblical Hebrew is no longer spoken and differs from modern Hebrew in respect to vocabulary and grammatical structure. Learning classical Hebrew is useful to biblical scholars studying the original Torah text. Archeologists and anthropologists may also find learning Hebrew useful.
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Instructions
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Find a website that appeals to your learning style. There are a variety of sites that offer biblical Hebrew language courses. Many online learning programs are free while others require payment, such as classicalhebrew.com. It's important that the site offers audio and visual components for effective learning. Make sure to explore the unique features of each site, experimenting with vocabulary games, audio quality and depth of learning available. Online university courses may even offer a video component that allows the students at home to "sit in" on recorded classes and participate via web. Usually the goal in learning biblical Hebrew is to interpret the Torah and other ancient text. Finding a website that refers back to the bible can be helpful in establishing continuity and practicing translation immediately.
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Learn the alphabet. There are 22 letters in biblical Hebrew. Most sites will introduce the Hebrew script immediately and have the student memorize each letter. Memorize the shape, name and sound of each letter. Consider websites which offer games and enjoyable ways to practice the Hebrew alphabet. At this point, begin familiarizing yourself with core vocabulary words which can be found on nearly every biblical Hebrew site.
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Work on vowels. In the original biblical text there were no Hebrew vowels. The pronunciation of a word was passed down through oral tradition. Around 600 AD that changed, and half and full vowels were added to the text. The vowels fall under or sometimes before the consonant. You should become familiar with them, study them and begin sounding them out as you study them on your screen.
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Familiarize yourself with the biblical Hebrew text. After mastering the foundations of Hebrew, alphabet and verbs, you can begin reading scripture. Pick a verse in English and read it back in Hebrew. Classical and modern Hebrew are read from right to left. Start with a single letter, sound it out, look for vowels and continue reading towards the left side of the screen. Allow yourself to listen to your own voice. Some sites offer an audio piece that allows the student to imitate the voice they are hearing. This is an extremely helpful tool, but sometimes requires special software.
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Study verbs and prepositions. The normal Hebrew sentence structure is "verb, subject object" unless a participle is used, in which case the structure is "subject, verb, object. Websites will usually offer a section on biblical Hebrew grammar. As you practice sounding out Hebrew continue to practice verbs, adverbs, adjectives and prepositions.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a variety of websites. Break up your study of vowels, verbs and prepositions with vocabulary games. Between online studies, think about investing in language learning CD's that will help immerse you in the sound of the text.
When searching for websites, make sure the site offers biblical/classical Hebrew studies and not the modern Hebrew language. Some people do not learn well on the Internet. As you attempt to digest the biblical Hebrew language, consider whether or not you are taking advantage of your natural learning habits. Although it may appear more accessible and appealing, online learning comes with unique challenges and requires great self-discipline.
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- Photo Credit hebrew letters and prayer books image by leprechaun from Fotolia.com
