Biblical Hebrew Forum

[David Hamuel <davidhamuel AT sbcglobal.net>]

Yitzhak,


Chomsky is talking about adapting; about the fact that Hebrew is/was 
influenced by other languages. 

Angel Badillos, A History of the Hebrew Language, page 277:
"Corresponding to the various stages of its revival, Hebrew was first 
influenced predominantly by the Slavic languages, replaced later by German, 
and eventually, and more decisively, English, though we should not forget the 
role played by French and Spanish, the native languages of many of the Jews 
now living in Israel. The aspects of IH that have probably been most affected 
by such influences are syntax and vocabulary, and it is these that have 
changed the most in comparison with the classical language. 
Nonetheless, it needs to be emphasized that the means of expression inherited 
by IH, as well as the basic nucleus of its morphology and syntax, are clearly 
Semitic in origin."


Best,

David Hamuel
Type Designer 
Biblical Hebrew, Grammar & Cantillation Expert

Los Angeles, CA — USA