The level of hardship which you will encounter while learning Hebrew depends on many factors, including what your native language is, which languages you speak, and even your self-motivation. It is considered the third hardest language to learn for English speakers. Check out things that can make it harder or easier for some people to learn Hebrew.
Alphabet
Hebrew has its unique alphabet. Because of that, many people have a problem with learning it. It especially applies to those who operate with Latin scripts. Additionally, you read Hebrew texts from right to left, which can also be confusing for beginners.
Mastering the Hebrew alphabet is the most important thing for starting your adventure with this language. The best apps for learning Hebrew online include learning the alphabet in their programs. Mastering the basics is key to developing your language skills.
Grammar
Some people encounter problems while learning Hebrew grammar. The use of roots, triconsonantal patterns, and some verb conjugations might seem overwhelming at first. You need time and effort to master them, especially if you don’t know any other Semitic language.
What makes the whole process a little bit easier is the fact that modern Hebrew has clear and logical grammar rules. Because of that, once you grasp the patterns, you can start navigating grammar with ease.
Complex Vocabulary
Modern Hebrew vocabulary is a mix of ancient, biblical, and modern words. Some of them are derived from other languages, so it might be easier for you to memorize words borrowed from English or other languages you know. However, most words might be difficult for people who don’t speak other Semitic languages.
Contact with the Language
The more contact with a language you have, the faster you can learn it. Immersion in a Hebrew-speaking environment can speed up and ease your learning process. Try to expose yourself to the language by interacting with native speakers, traveling to Israel, or watching Israeli programs and films. Podcasts, including those that teach the language, are also a great idea to familiarize yourself with vocabulary and the sound of the language.
Motivation and Personal Learning Style
Your style of learning and attitude can significantly influence how hard it will be to learn Hebrew. Some people have a natural predisposition to learn languages, while others need to spend much more time learning.
If you belong to the second group, it might be hard for you to keep up your motivation. Try to appreciate the things you have already learned instead of dwelling on the things that you still need to master. You can create smaller, achievable goals to make yourself more excited about learning and notice your successes.
Summary
As you can see, Hebrew is not an easy language to learn. Additionally, there are many factors that can influence the level of its difficulty. Remember that whether a language is easy or hard, you need to be patient to see the desired results. Try to stay positive and be consistent – this helps with mastering a foreign language, including Hebrew.