Description
Mastering Biblical Hebrew is a Hebrew grammar textbook that adopts modern second language acquisition (SLA) methods, emphasizing interactive pedagogies like listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing for the integration and acquisition of Biblical Hebrew.
Traditionally, Hebrew grammars relied on deductive and grammar-translation approaches, but today's students prefer dynamic and engaging classroom experiences. This textbook is tailored for teachers who wish to use a blended approach, incorporating oral, aural, tactile, written, performative, and reading exercises, as well as grammar and syntax activities.
Designed for both undergraduate and graduate students alike, this grammar is intended for two semesters. The primary objective of Mastering Biblical Hebrew is to equip students with reading competency in the Hebrew Bible at the intermediate level. Secondary objectives include proficiency in listening comprehension, writing, and speaking, which are honed through functional activities done both in the classroom and outside. To facilitate learning, new grammatical features are introduced in each chapter and revisited throughout the course. Students are encouraged to understand that mastering all grammatical details takes time and repetition.
The grammar is accompanied by charts, paradigms, audio files, vocabulary lists, study guides, teaching tools, and an answer key for assignments. Additionally, an Instructor Guide is available, providing detailed classroom activity suggestions that can be modified to suit individual class needs.
About the Author
Table of Contents
"It is exciting to see the work of this master at last available. For the most efficient and most enjoyable experience in learning Hebrew, this is the grammar to use."
—RICHARD S. HESS, Denver Seminary
"Based on two decades of classroom experience, Mastering Biblical Hebrew makes living language learning accessible for a new generation."
—JILL FIRTH, Ridley College
"Helps students learn Hebrew in a way that fully engages the student . . . "
—CHARLIE TRIMM, Biola University
"Gives students a solid understanding of grammar, and it does so with, dare we admit, fun!"
—JENNIFER E. NOONAN, Columbia International University
"In a market saturated with teaching grammars, this resource stands out as a trustworthy, go-to textbook. "
—BENJAMIN J. NOONAN, Columbia International University
"A pedagogically brilliant, thoroughly immersive resource."
—DOMINICK S. HERNÁNDEZ, Talbot School of Theology
"Revolutionizes ancient language learning through immersive, interactive methods—making the process intuitive, enjoyable, and far more effective."
—ANDRÉ VILLENEUVE, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
"Energizes the introductory grammar with an impressive range of creative activities to engage students’ minds, senses, and imagination."
—M. DANIEL CARROLL R., Wheaton College
"Masterfully weaves together the best practices of second language acquisition (SLA) with traditional pedagogy."
—ADAM HOWELL, Boyce College
"Combines the best of Hebrew pedagogy with innovative SLA techniques to create a fun, Hebrew-immersed, and incremental learning experience."
—JAMES GREENBERG, Denver Seminary
"Invites students on an innovative journey of language acquisition—into a biblical language that breathes, speaks, and works its way into our bones."
—REBECCA W. POE HAYS, George W. Truett Theological Seminary
"An approachable guide that empowers teachers and energizes students!"
—JENNIFER M. MATHENY, George W. Truett Theological Seminary
"Drawing on techniques from Second Language Acquisition (SLA) pedagogy, Dallaire provides . . . a strong foundation for life-long engagement with the Hebrew Scriptures."
—REBECCA G. S. IDESTROM, Tyndale University
"Exercises balance reading aloud, grammar analysis, creative writing, and translation into and out of Hebrew, using biblical passages from the start."
—KATHRYN MEDILL, University of Washington
"Accessible, creative, and interactive. . . A brilliant pedagogical tool of classical Hebrew as a living language."
—IGAL GERMAN, Faith Defenders International
"Teaches students to grasp what truly matters in a clear, conversational way. . . . Leading learners from passive knowledge to active mastery."
—JAN VERBRUGGEN, Western Seminary
"Actively incorporates listening, speaking, writing, translating, and sentence formulation, Dallaire helps students learn Biblical Hebrew as a living language."
—KAZ HAYASHI, Bethel University
"A highly innovative pedagogy built on decades of experience in the classroom."
—GEOFFREY KHAN, Cambridge University
"This is something genuinely new, encouraging students through its living language approach. . . to appreciate how the language works."
—DAVID G. FIRTH, Trinity College, Bristol
"Combining the best of grammar-translation and SLA methods, Dallaire helps ensure high-level mastery of Hebrew for a deeper reading of the Old Testament."
—PETER T. VOGT, Bethel Seminary
"A delightful addition to a field. . . . Dallaire has succeeded in making the study of Hebrew fun and engaging, and positive results are sure to follow."
—KASPARS OZOLINS, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary