English Hebrew by Subject, 3rd Edition
Topic Dictionary for Learning & Reference
Includes a 12-Hour mp3 Audio CD!
By Hanna G. Perez
Joel Yaron Publishing, 2009 www.engheb.com
ISBN: 978-965-90685-1-7
Reviewed by Simone Bonim - October 25, 2010
Another English-Hebrew dictionary? Yes. Is there really a need for it? Yes, because this is one with a unique twist...
English Hebrew by Subject is a topical dictionary that is ideal for use by students of both modern Hebrew and English. The words in this dictionary are organized by subject, rather than alphabetically, like a traditional organized dictionary. This unique organization makes this book ideal for students seeking to enlarge their vocabularies, as well as professionals, tourist, and students who need to find just the right word for a paper or to help them communicate with English or Hebrew speakers in their field or while on vacation.
This text is designed for use as both a reference book and as a text book. While it is primarily designed for use by English-speaking students learning Modern Hebrew, it will also prove invaluable to Hebrew speakers seeking to expand upon their English vocabulary. This is because all the information in the book, including the chapter and section headings, vocabulary lists, and the book's introduction, index, and table of contents are presented in both English and Hebrew. In addition, this, the third edition of this outstanding text includes a bonus CD that includes 12 hours of audio that features vocabulary from the first 41 chapters found in the text. (The remaining twelve chapters/sections included words related to grammatical concepts such as Punctuation Marks & Symbols and the vocabulary from these short sections are not included on the CD). All of the vocabulary presented on the CD is read out in both English and Hebrew. This audio CD alone is worth the price of the book, as it will not only help to improve your vocabulary, but it will also improve your speaking skills, and your listening skills as you listen to authentic pronunciation of the vocabulary - which is read by both a male and a female reader.
Another aspect that makes this dictionary unique and a must-have item for students of modern Hebrew is that English Hebrew by Subject not only presents vocabulary lists that are organized thematically, but it also provides relevant verbs in both the infinitive and third person past tense forms - which will greatly aid you when composing in Hebrew as well as in learning how to conjugate Hebrew verbs. Each of the main, 41 chapters, follows a standard format, with the relevant vocabularies divided into nouns, adjectives and verbs. English vocabulary is matched with its Hebrew counterpart, which is presented with nikud (vowels). Also, a notation as to whether a Hebrew noun is male or female is provided, as well as both the masculine and feminine forms of nouns related to people, animals, or professionals are also given. Most important, complete instructions on how to use this book is provided in both English and Hebrew.
The chapters in this book cover a broad range of topics including:
Polite Phrases
Eductation
The Human Body
Life Cycle
Time
Food & Drink
Transport & Tourism
Toys & Games
Animals
Books & Literature
The Universe: Sky & Space
Economy & Business
Art
Religion
The Army
International Relations, War & Peace
Mathematics
Sciences
Weights & Measures
and much more, including short sections covering topics such as Useful Adjectives & Their Opposites, Adverbs, Conjunctions, Interrogative Words, Demonstrative Adjectives & Pronouns, Prefixes & Suffixes, and more...
In all, English Hebrew by Subject contains 41 subject/vocabulary chapters, along with twelve additional sections covering grammatical concepts with sections dealing with punctuation and prefixes and suffixes. In all, this book includes more than 10,000 terms organized by subject. From Brazil Nut and cul-de-sac to seaplane, downsizing, and radioisotope, you will be amazed at the wide range of terms and subjects that you will discover in this book. English Hebrew by Subject is a must-have reference for new olim, students, professionals, and anyone with an interest in increasing their modern Hebrew vocabulary and in improving both their speaking and listening skills! Also, be sure to visit the book's companion website, www.engheb.com, which offers additional information on the book along with tips and resources that will help you to improve your Hebrew skills.
Related Reviews:
Ha-Yesod: Fundamentals of Hebrew, by Luba Uveeler and Norman M. Bronznick.
Newly revised, this introductory modern Hebrew textbook is grammar based and teaches Hebrew using a step-by-step methodology.
Modern Hebrew - An Essential Grammar, By Lewis Glinert.
The third edition of this invaluable reference book provides a concise and up-to-date overview of Hebrew grammar, and a selection of practical exercises that allows you to test your knowledge of the topics covered.
