Review of Jo Ann Hackett, A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (original) (raw)
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Review of Biblical Literature, 2021
I have long been aware of the existence of the Biblical language teaching and learning materials that Miles Van Pelt has written or co-written for Zondervan. From the introductory Biblical Hebrew textbook to vocabulary cards, charts, a graded reader (co-written with Gary D. Pratico), and a comparative textbook of English and Hebrew grammar to a similar push into Biblical Aramaic, the Zondervan Language Basics series that Van Pelt has helped to create is impressive in both scope and presentation quality. Through the multiple editions, the works have achieved a pleasing aesthetic: the balance of the English and Hebrew fonts is attractive and easy on the eyes; the materials, binding, and sizes of the various volumes just seems right to the hand. I suspect that the authors are tempted, with some justification, to look at their fruits and say, "it is good." I applaud the clear commitment to teaching biblical languages, mastery of which remains the first step in serious biblical interpretation.
Hebrew Higher Education, 2014
With the seemingly endless number of new introductory Biblical Hebrew (BH) grammars being generated, the market has become awash in a veritable sea of choices for any professor seeking an approachable and pedagogically sound textbook for the classroom. This production of new works reflects a general dissatisfaction in the field with grammars characterized, not only by outmoded understandings of the verbal system found in the classic grammars, overly technical approaches, antiquated pedagogical methods of the past; but also in the requirements placed upon students. In the vast majority of cases, when comparing the proficiency and acquisition goals of many BH grammars with any other first year university language course, the requirements placed upon beginning Biblical Hebrew students are lacking. It is in answer to this overall dissatisfaction that Cook and Holmstedt's %HJLQQLQJ %LEOLFDO +HEUHZ has been produced.
REVIEW: GETTING TO GRIPS WITH BIBLICAL HEBREW AN INTRODUCTORY TEXTBOOK
Review: GETTING TO GRIPS WITH BIBLICAL HEBREW AN INTRODUCTORY TEXTBOOK, 2021
As a Hebrew Bible student, I remember the countless hours spent memorizing grammatical rules and vocabulary. Many language learners are threatened by the strangeness of what they do not know, by the thought of having to expose their ignorance, and by the possibility of failure. Now as a Biblical Hebrew professor, I have realized that my job is less knowledge dispensing, and more about teaching students how to learn and think. Learning a new language is a process. Getting to Grips with Biblical Hebrew lays out realistic, manageable expectations. The introductory grammar is intended for Biblical Hebrew acquisition in theological seminaries, undergraduate Bible programs, Bible colleges, or Bible translation courses. The textbook covers all the essential grammar typically addressed in two semesters of seminary training, while also introducing some historical context, scripture memorization and exegetical steps for Biblical interpretation. David L. Baker's ways of introducing, synthesizing, and summarizing various grammatical concepts show great pedagogical skill. The strength of this introductory grammar lies in its concision, readability, accessibility and teachability. Baker's years of teaching experience come through in his helpful hints, examples, layout, summaries, and teaching strategies. He touches on a wide range of topics (grammatical, historical, exegetical, theological, discourse analysis), yet navigates through the potential convolution, bringing awareness, and reassuring his learners with the essentials. His simple, straightforward approach echoes throughout the book as constant reassurance. All this creates confidence and encourages the learner to enjoy the process, making successful language learning and biblical interpretation attainable. One gets the sense that David L. Baker pays attention to his students' needs. Some barriers to language learning many students face are a lack of funds and