Modern Hebrew questions
Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2016 6:41 pm
Okay, before you say I am crazy, I'd like to defend my questions: no, I don't have time to learn Hebrew now and the wanderlust bug isn't attacking me more fiercely than usual, even though there are many great things about Hebrew. I heard one or two songs I liked, I met some nice Israeli people etc. It is simply a fascinating language. I am not jewish but I value their religion and culture greatly and would eventually love to learn more about this pillar of the european civilization, which is another great reason to learn it. One day, when I have time to choose an exotic langauge, Hebrew is one of the most probable choices. As I am interested in it, I would really appreciate if you could save me some searching (and procrastination excuses), please.
1.Sure, Hebrew is harder than the most mainstream languages I have been learning. But what have you found especially hard about it? Are some parts actually easier than one would expect? From all I have heard and found, I don't think the pronunciation should pose a big problem for a Czech native (I'd guess less than English.). But what is the grammar difficulty like? Is the vocabulary related or in general very distant from the European langauges?
2.Is it hard to find resources for learners? We have probably all heard about new Duolingo course but that is usually just a complement to other sources, of course it cannot suffice, especially for such a different language. Are good quality coursebooks, podcasts,grammars hard to access? Some Arabic learners or potential learners are unsettled by the omnipresense of religion in the learning materials, as I have read on the internet and noticed myself during some of my procrastination sessions. It is understandable, as many Arabic learners have converted and the religion is their main reason to learn the langauge. Is the jewish religion present so much in learner aimed stuff, or is it represented approximately as much as we are used to in langauges of the secular countries?
3.The native media. What is the original Israeli literature like, which genres are thriving? Are there many popular tv series or does Israel rely more on import? The movies? Some music? (I have recently found some Arabic songs and it is awesome to listen to things I cannot understand at all while studying, Hebrew would be awesome in this aspect as well). When it comes to the "amount of cultural products" (sorry, I know you might dislike the term but I found none better), is it comparable or significantly bigger/smaller than that of langauges with similar amount of natives (Swedish, Czech, Dutch,etc.)?
4.In general, would you say the natives are learner-friendly or are they more reserved about giving you an opporutnity to practice? I suppose the Israeli tend to be very good at English in general, am I correct?
Thanks in advance for satisfying my curiousity
1.Sure, Hebrew is harder than the most mainstream languages I have been learning. But what have you found especially hard about it? Are some parts actually easier than one would expect? From all I have heard and found, I don't think the pronunciation should pose a big problem for a Czech native (I'd guess less than English.). But what is the grammar difficulty like? Is the vocabulary related or in general very distant from the European langauges?
2.Is it hard to find resources for learners? We have probably all heard about new Duolingo course but that is usually just a complement to other sources, of course it cannot suffice, especially for such a different language. Are good quality coursebooks, podcasts,grammars hard to access? Some Arabic learners or potential learners are unsettled by the omnipresense of religion in the learning materials, as I have read on the internet and noticed myself during some of my procrastination sessions. It is understandable, as many Arabic learners have converted and the religion is their main reason to learn the langauge. Is the jewish religion present so much in learner aimed stuff, or is it represented approximately as much as we are used to in langauges of the secular countries?
3.The native media. What is the original Israeli literature like, which genres are thriving? Are there many popular tv series or does Israel rely more on import? The movies? Some music? (I have recently found some Arabic songs and it is awesome to listen to things I cannot understand at all while studying, Hebrew would be awesome in this aspect as well). When it comes to the "amount of cultural products" (sorry, I know you might dislike the term but I found none better), is it comparable or significantly bigger/smaller than that of langauges with similar amount of natives (Swedish, Czech, Dutch,etc.)?
4.In general, would you say the natives are learner-friendly or are they more reserved about giving you an opporutnity to practice? I suppose the Israeli tend to be very good at English in general, am I correct?
Thanks in advance for satisfying my curiousity