Hebrew punctuation at a crucial crossroads

Authors

  • Mordechay Mishor Acadèmia de la Llengua Hebrea

Keywords:

reform of Hebrew orthography, Hebrew punctuation, Hebrew orthography, Hebrew vowels, Hebrew language, Hebrew

Abstract

Renowned for his research in the field of the Hebrew language, Mordechay Mishor has been in charge of the Ancient Literature Section within the Academy of the Hebrew Language’s Historical Dictionary Project for many years. He was chosen to be a member of the Academy’s Grammar Committee in 1998, and of the Academy itself in 2009. Concerned by the difficulty that traditional Hebrew punctuation entails for the new generations of Israelis, the author considers the possibility and expediency of introducing a simplified punctuation system to make things easier for present-day and future generations. The simplification involved consists practically of using patah for every [a] sound (thus suppressing qamats) and tsere for every [e] sound (thus suppressing segol). Dr. Mishor offers both historical and linguistic arguments for his proposal. He states that it is entirely possible to come up with a simplified grammatical treatise that is consistent with and respectful of tradition, and which makes things a great deal easier for the Israelis of today, particularly those who teach Hebrew, without being detrimental to the language’s idiosyncrasy.

Keywords: reform of Hebrew orthography, Hebrew punctuation, Hebrew orthography, Hebrew vowels, Hebrew language, Hebrew

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Author Biography

Mordechay Mishor, Acadèmia de la Llengua Hebrea

Membre de l’Acadèmia de la Llengua Hebrea

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Published

2013-02-21

Issue

Vol. 8 (2012)

Section

Articles

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