Setting out to learn to read Hebrew can seem like a formidable challenge at the start. That’s true for any language but can seem even more true for those trying to learn to read Hebrew. Biblical or Classical Hebrew dates back thousands of years, and modern Hebrew has a very direct connection to it. This makes for a language that has a lot of differences from more modern languages like English, French, or even Latin, for that matter.
However, trying to learn to read and write Hebrew is far from impossible. Millions around the world have already picked up Hebrew as a second language, on top of the millions who speak it natively. With Hebrewversity, you can find the support and resources that make us the best way to learn to read Hebrew.
How to Learn to Read the Hebrew Language
Learning how to understand Hebrew is a lot like learning any other language. You’ll work your way from developing an understanding of the Hebrew alphabet to learning grammar and vocabulary and eventually learning the finer points of the language through practice. New learners have plenty of questions like “is Hebrew read right to left” and “how do vowels work” but quickly adapt once they start learning. There are challenges along the way, but nothing that you can’t handle with help from Hebrewversity.
Hebrew Is Read From Right to Left
The first major shakeup for learners comes in the fact that Hebrew is both read and written from right to left. For most people learning a language that’s the complete opposite of what they’ve known all their life. However, millions of people have already learned how to read Hebrew right to left, and so can you.
This can seem strange when first setting out to learn to read Biblical Hebrew, but most learners can adjust quickly. Once you get into the flow of things, Hebrew read right to let isn’t going to give you any trouble at all.
The Hebrew Alphabet
Hebrew has its own unique alphabet that anyone wondering how to read Hebrew has to learn. This might sound like an intimidating task, but the Hebrew alphabet is actually smaller than the one used in the English language. There are some finer points you’ll have to learn, but getting started out is very straightforward.
Hebrew vowels are another area that can seem challenging to those learning to read in Hebrew. Those unfamiliar with the language might have heard that Hebrew doesn’t have any vowels at all, but that isn’t really accurate. Biblical texts and other ancient Hebrew works were written without vowels, but this custom changed over the course of history.
Today, Hebrew is written with or without vowels in various uses. If you’re planning to visit Israel, you’ll find that many of the text you see doesn’t contain vowels. For native or fluent Hebrew speakers, it’s easy to read without any vowels, so there’s no need to take up space in newspaper headlines or other areas. This might sound confusing, but the resources and personal lessons provided by Hebrewversity can see you through it.
Hebrew Vocabulary and Grammar
Of course, anyone trying to learn to read and speak Hebrew will need a solid foundation of vocabulary and the necessary grammar skills to weave those words into sentences. Luckily, Hebrew grammar is relatively simple, with fewer exceptions than one finds in English and other languages. The grammar is clear and straightforward, so this rarely poses a major challenge for learners.
Building a vocabulary in any language can take a lot of time and effort. Hebrewversity has a wide range of resources that can help you develop your Hebrew vocabulary. This includes vocabulary guides geared towards specific topics, like learning Biblical Hebrew for study or modern Hebrew for travel. You’ll be able to understand the most relevant words and phrases first to help make your learning go more smoothly.
Learning With Hebrewversity
So, how do you read Hebrew? Well, it takes to study and practice. Hebrewversity is your source for high-quality study materials that can guide your journey and serve as a valuable resource for refreshing and refining your existing Hebrew skills. On top of that, you can sign up for our one-on-one sessions. Contact us today to speak with our Program Director, Ariel, who will develop a custom plan for your unique experience level and goals.