Letter to the Editor: "Hebrew isn't a dead language"

If you’ve taken a Hebrew class before, more likely than not you’ve encountered at least one student say: “When am I ever going to use this?” or “No one even speaks Hebrew… it’s a dead language.”

Aside from the fact that there are nearly 9 million Hebrew speakers worldwide and that it is an evolving language that was modernized in the 19th century, one need not be provided with this concrete knowledge to feel inspired to learn Hebrew. 

Taking a quick peek into a lower-division kindergarten class is the best way to gain a sense of appreciation and approach to, not just Hebrew, but learning in general. From a young age, we do not approach learning as a tedious activity. Instead, everything we are exposed to is akin to a game. 

Regarding the intersection of neuroscience and linguistics, children take on a unique role as study subjects. How do we acquire language as children when there is what is known as a poverty of the stimulus, or simply put, no direct teaching of language material?  Neurolinguists postulate that there exists an innate acquisition of language found in the human brain. This is known as the LAD or the language acquisition device. 

More recent studies show that neuroplasticity does not actually end at a particular age and skills can be acquired throughout adulthood and beyond. What might then be the secret to learning? 

The answer? Play. 

If you approach new scenarios with optimism, enthusiasm, and a sense of fun, no skill or talent is too difficult to master. 

Okay, so why bother learning Hebrew? 

Language is perhaps the best model for learning. In a sense, there is a language to everything you study. Math, dance, art, and chemistry all have their own unique language. The beauty of studying languages is that once you learn one, you are able to pick up another with more alacrity and ease. In a sense, you are training your brain how to learn. 

So the next time you think what you are studying is not worthwhile, consider the larger picture. While you may not realize it, one day you will be learning complex material by virtue of stepping stones you laid years prior– all the while having fun along the way.