Page 1: Introduction to Hebrew

A. History and Significance of Hebrew

Hebrew, a Semitic language, originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region and holds a significant place in human history. It is one of the oldest languages, with ancient biblical texts written in Classical or Biblical Hebrew. Throughout centuries, Hebrew has evolved, and its use has varied, from a spoken language in ancient Israel to a liturgical language during a period of decline, and then to a revived modern language that is widely spoken today in Israel and many Jewish communities worldwide.

B. Overview of the Hebrew Alphabet and Script

Hebrew is written using the Hebrew script, which evolved from the Phoenician script. It is written and read from right to left, and primarily uses an abjad script, which means it mainly includes consonant letters. Hebrew does have vowels, which are represented by a system of dots and dashes (Nikud) that appear above, below, or within the consonant letters. However, in Modern Hebrew, especially in casual writing, the Nikud is often omitted.

C. Pronunciation and Accent

The pronunciation of Hebrew varies among speakers from different regions and backgrounds, resulting in different accents. Stress patterns in Hebrew generally fall on the last syllable of a word, although there are exceptions. Understanding the basics of pronunciation and accent is key to learning Hebrew, as it aids in both comprehension and communication.