Abstract:

The book 'The Hebrew Language in the Era of Globalization' is designed for researchers, for teachers of Hebrew in educational frameworks, and for those who love the language, and allows for a comprehensive study of varied aspects of the language. The book brings to center stage research issues regarding Hebrew in its cultural, social, and linguistic contexts, discusses the state of Hebrew in Israel and in the world, and looks into current curricula for the teaching of Hebrew as a second language. The book is comprised of three sections. The first section covers the following topics: The state of Hebrew in the context of Israel-Diaspora relations; Hebrew in European and American universities; the dilemma of the language of prayer; challenges that the modern reader confronts in a classical text; linguistic and socio-linguistic trends in modern Hebrew; achievements of new immigrant students in academic Hebrew; the theoretical basis for the development of curricula for the teaching of Hebrew as a first and second language; and language policy in a multi-lingual and multi-cultural society such as Israel. The second section presents the new curriculum for learners of Hebrew in the Arab sector as well as curricula for the teaching of Hebrew in the Diaspora for kindergarten children, elementary school students and junior-high and high school students. The third section expresses concern about the future of Hebrew both in Israel and in the Diaspora in the era of globalization.

The book is unique in that it combines theory and practice; deals with different representation of Hebrew - as a first, second, and heritage language; relates to learners of different ages and of a number of different populations – native speakers of Hebrew, new immigrants, the Arab sector in Israel, and Jewish communities in the Diaspora.