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Learning without vowels. Was: Re: Semitic Vowels, addendum

From: Bearpecs AT aol.com
To: b-hebrew AT franklin.oit.unc.edu
Subject: Learning without vowels. Was: Re: Semitic Vowels, addendum
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2001 22:15:44 EDT

In a message dated 9/3/01 3:45:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
ButhFam AT compuserve.com writes:

For that, I recommend using vocalized texts, contrary to typical ulpan
practice in Israel.[snip] Learning to read unvocalized texts is no problem
at
all--if the person already knows the language.

I agree. I have been plodding through Thackston's Introduction to Syriac.
It makes no sense to double the learner's work: when I see the Syriac word,
I have to remember both what it means and how to pronounce it. If I could
see the vowels as I read, I would begin to assimilate the patterns which are
essential and then move on to reading unvocalized texts.

Learning without vowels. Was: Re: Semitic Vowels, addendum, Bearpecs, 09/04/2001