From: "Dr. Raoul Comninos" <psalms AT telkomsa.net>
To: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [b-hebrew] Pronouncing Pathach like Qamets
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2006 18:28:46 +0200
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
[b-hebrew] Pronouncing Pathach like Qamets,
Dr. Raoul Comninos, 12/26/2006