From ajhyman@oise.utoronto.ca Mon Dec 2 22:33:06 1996 Date: Thu, 27 Jun 1996 17:06:59 -0400 (EDT) From: J S Online Reply-To: Jewish Studies Newsletter To: js-avi@oise.utoronto.ca Subject: Jewish Studies Newsletter: Computers and Biblical Hebrew JEWISH * STUDIES * J U D A I C A * e J O U R N A L * research & current events in academic Jewish Studies * ____________________________________________________________ Issue 5.001p1 * June 1996 * Readership = 6200+ ____________________________________________________________ Table of Contents: SPECIAL ISSUE: Computer aids for the study of biblical Hebrew ------------------------------------------------------------ Editorial Note: Special thanks to Catherine Murphy who compiled the answers to her recent post into a very handy synopsis. If you have asked for information about a particular topic and have received many responses, we would certainly appreciate having a synopsis. Again, thank you Catherine. Avi Hyman - managing editor From: catherine.m.murphy.19@nd.edu Subject: Computer aids for the study of biblical Hebrew I recently posted a request for information on computerized courses in biblical Hebrew. I received messages from many people about courses and other study aids (grammar resources, vocabulary builders, WWW software and language reference sites). The list of these resources follows. Inclusion of a product on this list is not meant as an endorsement of that product or company. Neither is the list comprehensive. It is simply a compilation of your responses to my original request, a random sampling of what some people in our field are using. Where possible, information about the software program and ordering information were confirmed by direct contact with the publisher. The descriptions at the end of each entry were based upon list member comments and material provided by the publishers. These references have been cross posted to Ioudaios, Orion, B-Hebrew, HEBLANG, and H-Judaic (apologies to multiple list members for the duplication!). If you know of any other lists whose members would benefit from it, please feel free to forward it. Thank you to those list members who contributed information! Catherine Murphy, Department of Theology University of Notre Dame **************************************************** DOS Title: Hebrew Tutor Format: CD-ROM Multimedia program for Windows Hardware requirements: IBM compatible PC, minimum processor of 80486SX at 25 MHz, 4MB RAM (8MB recommended), MicrosoftWindows 3.1 or later, 1 MB hard drive space, CD-ROM drive (compatible with MPC specs), mouse or equivalent pointing device, 256-color display at 640X480 minimum, and a 16-bit sound card Publisher: Parsons Technology Cost: $49 directly from publisher; $34.95 from Christian Book Distributors (catalogue # 8374) Order: Parsons Technology, tel: (800) 223-6925; (319) 395-7314; url: http://www.parsonstech.com/ OR CBD, P. O. Box 7000, Peabody, MA 01961-7000; tel: (508) 977-5000; fax: (508) 977-5010. Description: Reviewed favorably in AAR/SBL's "Religious Studies News" 11:2 (May 1996) 23-4; includes a built-in word processor which allows writing in Hebrew (or Greek); capacity for drills in spelling, translation, parts of speech, etc. Each word or phrase is pronounced (Sephardic pronunciation). ************** Title: Old World Hebrew Learning System, by Dr. Ed Wright (University of Arizona) et al. Format: Multimedia CD-ROM for Windows Hardware requirements: Windows 3.1; special disk available to adapt program to Windows 95 Publisher: Aprisa Multimedia Systems Cost: $595 Order: Aprisa Multimedia Systems, 10065 E. Harvard Ave, Suite 401, Denver, CO 80231; tel: (303) 671-4747; fax: (303) 671-4525; e-mail: aprisacs@aol.com Description: Year-long course in college level biblical Hebrew. Includes Logos Bible, video, music, sound recognition technology, complete testing, exercises, as well as linked reference resources (Logos Bible Software, concordances, glossaries, grammars, indexes, lexicons, parsing guides, and word studies). Can be used in both as a sequential course of study limited to one's progress through the lessons, or as a reference library. Aprisa also publishes "CourseLink," an instructional management program for the teacher of such a course. Publishers currently working on version 2, which will be available in PC and Mac versions. ************** Title: Triple Play Plus Format: CD-ROM for Windows Hardware requirements: MPC compatible system; IBM PC or compatible, 386DX 33 or faster; 4 MB RAM; Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Windows 95; SVGA display (640x480, 256 colors), MPC compliant CD ROM drive; 16 bit sound card, speakers or headphones, mouse Publisher: Syracuse Language Systems Cost: $99.95 directly from publisher; $65 or less from Tiger Software Order: Tiger Software catalogue, vol. 6, number 5, page 33 lists this product as catalogue #S27-4000 and sells it for $64.99 with a $10 rebate through June 30, 1996. Call (800) 238-4437. To contact Syracuse Language Systems directly: url: http://www.syrlang.com/triple.htm Description: An introduction to modern Hebrew using Syracuse Language Systems. Includes speech recognition technology so you get active feedback on pronunciation. Includes interactive games and conversations. Thirty day preview option for teachers. ************** Title: Hebrew Tutor Format: Unknown Publisher: Note Bene Cost: Unknown Order: 44-1228-512-512; ask for European Theological Media ************************************************************* MAC Title: Davidson's Introductory Hebrew Grammar, by James D. Martin Format: Unknown Publisher: T & T Clark Cost: ~$60 Order: via HarperCollins Scotland?, tel: (44 41) 772 3200; fax: (44 41) 306 3119 Description: Interactive computer program; comes with a manual and textbook. The computer has exercises, answers, vocabulary, pronunciation (i.e., sound files that speak the words and letters to you), etc. Does not have randomizing vocabulary. May be available in DOS as well. ************************************************************** ON-LINE (WWW) RESOURCES Title: Foreign Language Teaching Forum Type: List url: http://www.cortland.edu/www_root/flteach/flteach.html To subscribe: Address your message to ; in the body of your message, type ************** Title: Human Languages Page Type: Web site url: http://www.willamette.edu/~tjones/languages/Language-Page.html Description: Provides links to *Hebrew, A Living Language* and Hebrew software archives (Gopher) ************** Title: Biblical Studies Resource Page Type: Web site url: http://www.hivolda.no.asf/kkf/rel-stud.html ************** Title: Christian Software News Type: Web site url: http://www.viper.net/clients/serious/csn.htm Description: Site and linked mailing list publish reviews of new software products as they become available. Product categories include most Christian and church related software products (Bible study, biblical languages, clip art, desktop publishing, church management systems, edutainment, games, etc.). Metasite, *Serious Developments* also provides link to *Christian Software Directory* - a list of shareware archives (url: http://www.viper.net/clients/serious/freeware.htm). To subscribe to the newsletter: use the url or address your message to ; in the body of your message, type ************** Title: Chorus - Resource for Academic and Educational Computing in the Humanities; subdirectory entitled *Computer Assisted Language Learning* Type: Web site url: http://www.chorus.cycor.ca/Duber/m004c.html ************** Title: Christian Computing Magazine Type: Web site url: http://www.ccmag.com/ ************** Title: Christian Web Sites Type: Web site url: http://ww.webcom.com/~tiendao/chsite.html ********************************************************* OTHER HEBREW RESOURCES (grammar, vocabulary, reading, and pronunciation aids) Title: Divide and Conquer Format: For Macintosh Hardware requirements: Sound card and speakers Publisher: Davka Cost: $49.95 Order: DavkaCorporation, 7074 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60645; tel: (800) 621-8227 (in Illinois [312] 465-4070), fax: (312) 262-9298, e-mail: Davkacorp@aol.com, url: http://www.davka.com. Catalogue Mac #M103. Description: Teaches basic principles of Hebrew word formation with animation and dynamic graphics; includes multiple choice questions, match-ups, and dividing exercises. ************** Title: Hammoreh Hebrew Grammar Tutorial System, by Dr. T. V. Farris Format: DOS program, can be used with Windows Publisher: The Gramcord Institute Cost: $90 (quantity prices available; institutional and site license rates also available) Order: Prof. Paul A. Miller (email: pmiller@GRAMCORD.org), The GRAMCORD Institute, 2218 NE Brookview Dr., Vancouver, WA 98686; tel: (360) 576-3000; fax (503) 761-0626; url: http://www.GRAMCORD.org Description: Students pace themselves through drills and exercises on the major Hebrew morphemes. The multiple prefixes, suffixes, and verbal stem forms are color-coded to assist memorization and retention. A helpful tool to learn and maintain skills in biblical Hebrew grammar (this resource does not include, but does complement, vocabulary flashcards). ************** Title: Wholly Hebrew Format: For Windows on CD-ROM Hardware requirements: Sound card and speakers Publisher: Davka Cost: $49.95 Order: DavkaCorporation, 7074 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60645; tel: (800) 621-8227 (in Illinois [312] 465-4070), fax: (312) 262-9298, e-mail: Davkacorp@aol.com, url: http://www.davka.com. Catalogue Win CD #IW195. Description: Modern Hebrew vocabulary builder. Includes a comprehensive testing function and ability to print lists of words for further study. ************** Title: Talking Torah FlashCards Format: For Macintosh Hardware requirements: Sound card and speakers Publisher: Davka Cost: $49.95 Order: DavkaCorporation, 7074 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60645; tel: (800) 621-8227 (in Illinois [312] 465-4070), fax: (312) 262-9298, e-mail: Davkacorp@aol.com, url: http://www.davka.com. Catalogue Mac #M112. Description: Hebrew vocabulary builder, with words chosen from the Siddur and the Bible. High quality digitized sound. ************** Title: Memcards Biblical Hebrew Vocabulary, 2nd ed. Format: 3 1/2" diskettes, DOS only Hardware requirements: IBM compatible, 512K memory, graphics adaptor, HP compatible laser printer or IBM/Epson-compatible dot-matrix printer if you will be using the printing function Publisher: Memorization Technology Cost: $34.95 directly from publisher; $29.95 from Christian Book Distributors (catalogue #6640) Order: Memorization Technology, P. O. Box 60788, Palo Alto, CA 94306-0788; tel: (415) 857-9218; fax: (415) 857-9218; OR CBD, P. O. Box 7000, Peabody, MA 01961-7000; tel: (508) 977-5000; fax: (508) 977-5010. Description: 1500 common Biblical Hebrew words, keyed to lessons in textbooks by Lambdin, Seow, and Weingreen, and lists by Dillard and Mitchel. Tracks short-term and long-term retention so that review time is more focused. Allows random drilling. Includes capability to edit cards, to add your own cards, and to print out study lists, quizzes, and exams. Since this is an older program, the hardware requirements are relatively minimal; it is not compatible with Windows. ************** Title: Learning to Read Hebrew Format: For Windows on CD-ROM Hardware requirements: Sound card and speakers Publisher: Davka Cost: $49.95 Order: DavkaCorporation, 7074 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60645; tel: (800) 621-8227 (in Illinois [312] 465-4070), fax: (312) 262-9298, e-mail: Davkacorp@aol.com, url: http://www.davka.com. Catalogue Win CD #IW109. Description: Teaches reading of Hebrew to those with no prior knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet. ************** Title: Aleph-Bet: A Beginner's Introduction to Reading and Writing Hebrew, by Dr. David Bivin (introductory level) // Fluent Biblical and Modern Hebrew, by Dr. David Bivin (advanced level) Format: Introductory level consists of five 2-hour v ideo tapes and notebook (cat #AB)// Advanced level consists of six audio tapes and textbook (cat. #FBMH) Publisher: Center for Judaic-Christian Studies Cost: Introductory level $120.00 // Advanced level $97.00 Order: Center for Judaic-Christian Studies, Makor, Inc, P. O. Box 293040, Dayton, OH 45429; tel: (800) 308-6506, fax: (513) 434-3366 Description: Teaches the alphabet and some pronunciation. ************** Title: HyperHebrew Format: For Mac Hardware requirements: Sound card and speakers Publisher: Davka Cost: $39.95 Order: DavkaCorporation, 7074 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60645; tel: (800) 621-8227 (in Illinois [312] 465-4070), fax: (312) 262-9298, e-mail: Davkacorp@aol.com, url: http://www.davka.com. Catalogue Mac #M110. Description: Teaches modern Hebrew language basics with digitized sound. Each letter of the Hebrew alphabet is presented, along with sample words in Hebrew that use that letter. ************** Title: Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar, by Page Kelly Format: Book Publisher: Eerdmans Cost: $21.95 Order: Christian Book Distributors (P. O. Box 7000, Peabody, MA 01961-7000; tel: [508] 977-5000; fax: [508] 977-5010) Description: The person who submitted this title used the book profitably in conjunction with Parson Technology's Hebrew Tutor; he felt that both shared the same educational principles. A helpful resource for further exercises and drills. ------------------------------------------------------------ ____________________________________________________________ Editor: Avi Jacob Hyman, Review Editor: Henry Abramson, Chair: Tzvee Zahavy Jewish Studies On-Line Editorial Board: Henry Abramson, Josh Backon, Lewis Barth, Judith Baskin, Herb Basser, Bernard Cooperman, Nathan Ehrlich, Yossi Galron, Penny Schine Gold, Avrum Goodblat, Joseph Haberer, Guy Haskell, Howard Joseph, Yitzchak Kerem, Richard Menkis, Jim Mott, Jonathan Sarna, Leslie Train, Belarie Zatzman, Reena Zeidman ------------------------------------------------------------ Jewish Studies On-Line: http://www.oise.on.ca/~ajhyman/JewishStudies/ or: http://h-net.msu.edu ------------------------------------------------------------ JSJeJ is published & distributed by: The SHAMASH Project@NYSERNET (jewstudies@shamash.nysernet.org) and The H-Net (Humanities) Project@MSU (h-judaic@msu.edu) - back issues available via GOPHER, WWW or FTP ___________________________end part 1_______________________