Hebrew
Hebrew is a Semitic language spoken by over 9 million people, primarily by Israelis and Jewish communities worldwide. It is one of the oldest languages still in use today, with its origins traced back to the 10th century BCE.
History
Hebrew has a rich history divided into several periods:
- Biblical Hebrew: The language of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), this phase includes Classical Biblical Hebrew (from the 10th to the 6th century BCE) and Late Biblical Hebrew (from the 6th to the 3rd century BCE). It was the spoken vernacular of ancient Israel and Judea.
- Mishnaic Hebrew: Also known as Rabbinic Hebrew, this period spans from around 200 BCE to 200 CE. It was used in the Mishnah and other religious texts.
- Medieval Hebrew: From the 6th to the 19th century, Hebrew was mainly a liturgical and literary language, used in Jewish religious texts and scholarship.
- Modern Hebrew: Revived as a spoken language in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily due to the efforts of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, who was instrumental in its revival. Modern Hebrew became the official language of Israel after its establishment in 1948.
Alphabet and Writing
Hebrew uses the Hebrew Alphabet, which consists of 22 letters, all consonants. Originally, it was an abjad script (consonantal alphabet), but vowels were later introduced through diacritical marks called Nikkud. The Hebrew script evolved from the Proto-Canaanite Alphabet through the Paleo-Hebrew script.
Cultural Significance
Hebrew holds immense cultural and religious significance:
- It is the language of prayer and scripture for Judaism, influencing religious practices, liturgy, and the study of Jewish texts.
- Hebrew literature includes ancient texts like the Talmud, Midrash, and medieval poetry and philosophy.
- The revival of Hebrew as a modern spoken language is considered a unique linguistic phenomenon, often referred to as a "language rebirth."
Modern Usage
Today, Hebrew is used:
- As the primary language of Israel, in government, media, education, and daily life.
- In academic circles for the study of Jewish Studies and Biblical Studies.
- By Jewish communities around the world for religious purposes.
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