Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Randall Buth <randallbuth AT gmail.com>]

John sha'al
vayyixtov Joseph lemor

>...Here is a very manageable article defining the issue and comparing 
>Niccacci's approach to describing wayyiqtol's function with Waltke 
>O'connor's approach. I found it most helpful and I think you will for what 
>you're looking for.>

Linguisitically, Nicacci's approach is basically syntax and pragmatics
but is missing semantics. One cannot call clauses with nominal/phrase
+ verb  + nominal/phrases a "verbless clause", complex or otherwise.
When teaching textlinguistics I found that most students became
confused after reading and trying to implement Nicacci's paradigm.
While Nicacci has made some good insights, the system cannot be
recommended.

But more fundamentally, the best way to teach the system of a language
(Hebrew) is to use it. Do not rely on an any English explanation but
use the language with students in class in an immersion setting. I
would TPR vocabulary and a whole story, and then retell the story in a
more polished, normal BH. AFTER students are using the different
structures (perhaps several class sessions or weeks after), you can
give an English overview of however you see the system working, if
need be. Whatever fits smoothly. Hopefully, the overview will not
undermine the actual system too badly. If you want to know where I
stand on various issues you may see R Buth "Short Syntax of the Hebrew
Verb" in Living Biblical Hebrew: Selected Readings with 500 Friends.

braxot
Randall Buth

--
Randall Buth, PhD
www.biblicalulpan.org
randallbuth AT gmail.com
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