Biblical Hebrew Forum

[K Randolph <kwrandolph AT gmail.com>]

Richard:

You are right, reading the text can’t start on day one. What I envision is
giving a whirlwind introduction to the grammar, what are the forms that
indicate verbs, nouns, suffixes, etc. with handouts that show the forms,
then get the students into reading the text as soon as possible. I don’t
believe in giving the students the whole nine yards of grammar before
getting them into the text. For one thing, they won’t remember it, but are
more likely to remember it if they see it written out in a verse. I also
don’t believe in making the students sweat out trying to parse the forms,
that’s what analytical lexica are for, rather emphasize the meaning of the
forms. If I can get my students to read the text regularly, mere practice
will get them to recognize the forms over time.

Karl W. Randolph.

On Fri, May 21, 2010 at 4:59 AM, Richard <aaa AT endlyss.com> wrote:

>
> Personally, I can't imagine learning Hebrew as an adult without gaining
> some
> idea as to how the language works in general. The verbs and how they
> generally work are a biggie. And there are lots of little parts. Wouldn't a
> person need to know what a construct form is? That nouns precede the
> adjective usually? Etc., etc.
>
> Basic grammar has been a huge help to me with the language. After one is
> comfortable with "the rules" then it is a short step to going according to
> context and what makes sense if one runs up against a questionable
> situation, it seems to me.
>
> I am in the putting it all together stage so I cannot say for certain. But
> it's difficult to imagine it any other way.
>
> Richard Conaway
>
>