Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Dr. Raoul Comninos" <psalms AT telkomsa.net>]

I began learning Hebrew using 'The First Hebrew Primer' which  
pronounces Qamets and Pathach in the same way. I then switched to a  
Semlink Course and have noted that Pathach is often (but not always)  
pronounced as 'a' in BAT. I recently began to study chapter 13 on  
Perfect Strong verbs where the grammar advises that a distinction in  
pronunciation be made between Qamets and Pathach (13.4). However, in  
listening to the lectures I noticed that Dr Pratico sometimes  
pronounces Pathach as short and other times as long, notably in his  
recitation of paradigms 13.7. I am therefore now thoroughly confused.  
My question is: how should I pronounce the Pathach? Should it be as a  
Qamets (which seems more natural) or as a in bat. Why does Dr Pratico  
pronounce it sometimes one way, sometimes another? Since I am at a  
relatively early phase in my learning of the language, I am ready to  
follow whatever you deem best.

Some confusion also remains it seems in the pronunciation of a Kaf  
which is "hard" when pronounced in the lectures and vocabulary, and  
yet according to 1.5 should be "soft" as in 'ch'.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter.

Kind regards,
Dr Raoul Comninos
93 Wagenaar Street
Monte Vista 7460 Cape Town
FAX: 0866544615
BREAD AT telkomsa.net