Review of Jo Ann Hackett, A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
Review of Biblical Literature, January 2011
12 Pages Posted: 23 May 2011 Last revised: 26 May 2011
Date Written: 2011
Abstract
Bernard M. Levinson's review of Jo Ann Hackett, A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2010 pp. 25-30.
A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew: Linguistics expert and long-time educator Hackett offers a robust introduction to biblical Hebrew grammar and the Masoretic text. The graded exercises from Hebrew to English are intended to introduce the student to the many possibilities of biblical Hebrew prose. Later lessons include texts taken from the Masoretic text of the Old Testament with footnotes to explain unusual or advanced formations. Classroom tested and suitable for self-study as well, this quick-moving one-semester course (30 lessons) features clear, readable explanations, exercises, and examples that provide students with an effective foundation in original language usage. This textbook is also suitable for an entire first-year's study of Biblical Hebrew conducted at a slower pace. Course work includes an overview of the history of the Hebrew Bible; deductive lessons on recognition, drawing, and pronunciation of consonants and vowels; memorization and recitation of the alphabet; and proper spelling of words; as well inductive experience in translating biblical passages.
Keywords: Biblical Hebrew, language pedagogy, textbook, verb paradigm, classroom instruction teachniques, weak verb, inflection, syntax, grammar, perfect, imperfect, terminology, converted imperfect, prefix form, suffix form, consecutive preterite, pedagogy of the verb, ve-qatal, volitive forms
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