hi there new mutual! :-) i was wondering how you began learning hebrew and if you have any suggestions on workbooks/textbooks/where to start for people who are absolute beginners and are learning on their own? (would love to take a class through a university or synagogue or hebrew school some time but for now i’m on my own.)
Hi honey! I was very fortunate to grow up learning from a religious school, which offered me a Hebrew opportunity many don't get. Back when I was on my "I dont know enough I Must Know More" binge (before college came and robbed me of all free time), I used the book "Hebrew for Dummies," which is easy to access through Barnes & Noble or other sellers and very straightforward. I also used Youtube videos of Disney songs in Hebrew, and Pealim, which helps you decipher a lot of words, especially verbs, through their roots.
One thing I will warn against is homebrewed websites like Hebrew for Christians--I notice they tend to do things like put letter pairs together as only one letter, and other things that really confuse new learners. Stick to websites and textbooks that have good reviews and recommendations, both on the site they're being sold on and off of it. Immersing yourself in cultural things, such as cartoons and recognizable songs like Disney songs, is also really helpful because you pick things up subconsciously just from exposure.
I know my dear mutuals @sosiaalitieteet and @salvadorbonaparte study Hebrew and love talking to me about it, if you'd like a support network! Other mutuals are welcome to reply with more resources!
