Hebrew in 10 Minutes a Day® (10 Minutes a Day)

Customer Reviews:

Great product.......2007-06-08

Its a great product, although I would have liked to include cursive hebrew. There are a few times when it tests you, although its mostly just practice. So far anyways, I'm about a 1/4 the way through.

Great book if you need to learn Hebrew quickly.......2005-07-08

I don't know how much I would have liked this book if I was learning Hebrew from afar, but a few years ago, I found out on two week's notice that I was going to Israel for six months. I had to get a workable knowledge of Hebrew in a short period of time. I carried the pocket pal card and the grocery card everywhere, and the flash cards were great. I like the style of the workbook - it is fun and entertaining. You definitely need the discipline to repeat things to learn much, though, as with any language learning. I clearly don't know Hebrew well enough to know about inaccuracies, but it was great for me, teaching me the basics very quickly.

For best results use in conjunction with Pimsluer tapes.......2005-02-09

The book is very good, it makes the learning process fun, the stickers and flashcards are great, too! Also constantly writing the words allows you to learn the spellings better than you would with other language learning tools. I am new to learning hebrew and I found this book quite helpful. Although I must agree some of the words are transliterated incorrectly (how do i know? I spent a few months in Israel). Anyways what was most effective to me was using this book as a suppliment to the Pimsluer languge learning tapes. Since the tapes usually come with no text supliment but generally cover the same material as this book, the two compliment eachother quite nicely. Using the tapes will also overcome the transliteration problems since you will HEAR the words being spoken (it will also help you nail down the accent). Also the book will help you understand what they are saying on the tapes more correctly (sometimes the speaker doesn't say the words as clear as you would like.)

Anyway I recommend this book and Pimsluer tapes for a good way to start learning hebrew. :-)

Always a Variance.......2003-10-13

I have been a student of Biblical Hebrew for over 3 years. But I've also investigated modern pronunciation. Interestingly, one will not find any consistency (I've found about half a dozen modern variations, both for consonants and for vowels, a total of about 12 pronunciation systems). A living language by definition means constant change and dialects existing side by side.

Adam Lance has put for that there are some transliterations problems with this text. That is possible; I mean, one cannot hardly find a published book today that wasn't rushed to the market so fast that it appears that some proofreading, or at least careful proofreading, was forgotten.

Modern Hebrew has two main pronunciation systems: Ashkenazi and Sephardi. Israel basically uses Sephardi, but which one?! That's right, there is significant variation. One reference states that, not including dipthongs, there are 5 vowel sounds, another says 6, and another 7, and even another 10. Then there are the consonants. Some say Cheyt and Kaf are pronounced the same, some say different. Some say Ayin is pronounced, others say it's silent like Aleph. Why all this variance?

I write this to justify the seeming descrepancies in this book. The Sephardi tradition is essentially Middle Eastern and North African. This system breaks down in variations among those born and raised in Israel vs. immigrants. There is Russian, Yemenite, Romanian, and Ethiopian dialects.

The older native population in Israel generally pronounce Cheyt and Kaf differently. And they pronounce Ayin. Also, they use at least 6 vowel sounds, pronouncing Tsere as ey. But their children do not pronounce Ayin, and sound Cheyt and Kaf the same. Also, they only use 5 vowel sounds.

There is one evidence of the transition. While many pronounce Tsere the same as Seghol (as in "bet"), when the tsere syllable is closed by Aleph or He, it is pronounced as a long 'a' (as in "they"). This may be what has occurred in this book, like another book I have. Seghol may also be pronounced 'ey' if the syllable is closed by He.

So it is likely that this book is correct for the dialect it represents. There is much flux at this time. It appears, though, that the 5-vowel system is winning out, Ayin is becoming unpronounced, and no distinction is being made between Cheyt and Kaf.

The bottom line is that once one has used a particular book like this, if they intend to progress, they will have to immerse into the language and culture. Living in America, the student will then likely swing to Ashkenazi pronunciation (which is spoken here conversationally), meaning that when they go to Israel, they will have difficulties. As with learning any language, adjustment is constant, even for the native speaker

If you want to learn Modern Hebrew, this text is fine. But, as with ANY book, be prepared to grow with the language, the local dialect, etc.

Nice but very basic. Some transliteration problems........2002-09-01

I bought this book to help a friend learn Hebrew. This is a nice book, but the English transliterations are flawed, and that's what I had the most trouble with.

First of all, the book tells you that the tsere is prounounced "ay", when actually, in the modern spoken Hebrew of Israel, it is pronounced like eh in red. Plus it goes on to transliterate the tsere inconsistantly (sometimes as "eh", sometimes as ay).

Book Description

From mystics to musems, barbers to bazaars, and art to archaeology, jump into the event with this phrasebook.

extensive food section
transliterations throughout for easy pronunciation
concise grammar section geared towards immediate and practical use
insider tips on culture and social etiquette
comprehensive two-way dictionary

Customer Reviews:

surprisingly good.......2007-05-10

Although this is a mini-sized paperback that could easily fit into your shirt pocket, it's remarkably useful.

Each page typically has three columns: the leftmost is the English, the middle is the Farsi in romanized letters, and the right column is the Farsi in Arabic script. But it's not merely a phrasebook: there are paragraphs scattered throughout to relieve the monotony.

For example, there are many, many notes on culture and linguistic usage. Considering how much information this book contains, it's astonishing it's so small. If the pages were made bigger, it could conceivably serve serve as a freshman-level text!

Really after studying from this I was impressed by how handy I became in Farsi, although in all honesty this is likely ascribable neither to my perspicacity nor the boon of this volume, but simply to the fact that Farsi is Indo-European, and so much of its grammar and sensibilities are readily apprehended by a Westerner.

But this book was a major help. When I reflect on how little it cost me versus how much use I got out of it, Lonely Planet's "Farsi Phrasebook" may have been one of the most profitable purchases of my life.

Excellent value and quite unpretentious.......2007-01-10

An excellent little work, mainly through the obvious teamwork of author and editors in producing it to what must be a proven template by this publisher. I find I get endless and informative entertainment just by dipping into it. And you can do this on day one of learning Farsi, and just as enjoyably and profitably once your studies have advanced. Even the short dictionary section is very good. This is one Farsi language resource book that won't disappoint you.

Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook .......2006-11-10

A little bit of everything Persian. This would be a good suppliment to any language learning program and a "must have" for the person traveling to any of the Persian (Farsi) speaking countries. A very interesting compact book snd an excellent value.

Handy Travel Farsi Book.......2006-03-15

this was invaluable for my last trip to Iran... small, easy to use.

VERY INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATING.....the language of Iran.......2005-02-21

What a good move I made by purchasing this book FROM Amazon!!!
I will be traveling out to the Middle East this year and have been trying to catch up with my Persian language, better known as Farsi. I have been receiving some tutoring, which was very well received, but this book has put me right on to where I want to be.
You will find this Persian phrasebook suitable for travelers with all those important questions you will need to ask at the airport, in the market when purchasing items, finding your way around, almost anything for that matter. I highly recommend this book to those traveling to the East and please keep it on you for easy reference. It is such a handy book and can fit right into the smallest pocket book or jeans pocket. Well done!!!
SUGAR-CANE 20-2-05

The Encyclopaedia of Middle Eastern Mythology and Religion

Average customer rating:

The Encyclopaedia of Middle Eastern Mythology and Religion
Jan Knappert
Manufacturer: Element Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

History | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

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Mythology & Folklore | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Religion | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Comparative Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

History | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Fairy Tales | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1852304278

Historical Dictionary of the Arab-Israeli Conflict (Historical Dictionaries of War, Revolution and Civil Unrest)

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Historical Dictionary of the Arab-Israeli Conflict (Historical Dictionaries of War, Revolution and Civil Unrest)
P. R. Kumaraswamy
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

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Israel | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0810853434

Standard Arabic Student's book: An Advanced Course

Average customer rating:

Recommended with Reservation
You might as well read an Arabic newspaper
Not What You Expect!
Very useful mid- to advanced textbook
You don't own it yet?!?

Standard Arabic Student's book: An Advanced Course
James Dickins , and Janet C. E. Watson
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521635586

Book Description

This comprehensive course is designed for intermediate to advanced students of Arabic at upper undergraduate level. It uses authentic materials and a wide variety of techniques to develop the four basic language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Each of the twenty chapters is designed around a particular topic relating to the culture, history, politics, geography or society of the Arab Middle East, to give students an insight into important aspects of the region.

Customer Reviews:

Recommended with Reservation.......2004-12-17

As a university level professor of Arabic, my profession is constantly on the lookout (or we should be) for textbooks that are relevant, user-friendly, well-constructed and that can serve as a springboard for further studies in Arabic. I recently acquired this textbook intending it for my personal use as a review and as a stimulus for classroom activities. I am very impressed with the overall subject matter content of the book and am really pleased with the size of the print type.

I will caution the perspective buyer, however, that this is definitely not a "teach yourself" manual to be used on your own. Rather, an imaginative, competent speaker of the language who can serve as an instructor or guide is an absolute requisite. Even with advanced degrees in Arabic, I found some of the material at or just beyond my capabilities. Someone who is just starting out in Arabic (that is less than three years of study at the university level) may want to rely on a less comprehensive textbook. The lack of vocabulary listings and textual notes may tend to compound this problem.

That said, I found the book just perfect for my purposes. The only drawback, however, is that the grammar and stylistics portions of each chapter refer back to examples from previous chapters. It would be helpful if these examples were in closer proximity to the actual texts referenced. These would save the learner the trouble of going back and re-reading these texts to find the examples cited.

Nonetheless, along with a good dictionary for those hard-to-remember terms, I would recommend this book only to those students with the proper preparation to tackle it.

You might as well read an Arabic newspaper.......2002-01-30

I bought this book after hearing the praise about it; I sold it a few days later. Despite the title, this book isn't much of a course at all. Most of it is just straight Arabic text for you to read, with no translations, so you don't even know if you're reading correctly. The book does a better job of teaching you (if you know Arabic) about the Middle East than it does teaching Arabic.

Not What You Expect!.......2001-08-04

This paticular purchase is not a course, but merely 2 tapes. It is a continuation of a complete set (introductory, intermediate, advanced). So if you actually want a course, you need to buy the introductory and intermediate course (actually just a bunch of ... tapes).

Very useful mid- to advanced textbook.......2001-02-24

Just to add to the other reviews, this textbook (which I used at 3rd year undergraduate level at Durham) is useful also to the solo student struggling to advance his or her Arabic. Buy the cassettes too, as they're an integral part of the course. I also recommend strongly that the private student buy the Teacher's Handbook too if he has no teacher as this contains - amongst other things - suggested translations and transcriptions of passages on the cassettes.

You don't own it yet?!?.......2000-11-13

Simply stated -- A MUST HAVE! If you're a budding intermediate level student of Arabic, you must have this. I use this as a self study course to reinforce my reading foundations, vocabulary and current idomatic useage. I waited MONTHS for the tapes, but they are essential now that they are universally available.

This book is useful for self study, group study or with a (preferably) educated native instructor/tutor. There is also a fine teacher's supplement.

Overall this is a tremendous value. The soft cover and the tapes together are less than 50.00 and there is a mountain of challenging material.

Not to mention a good deal of pragmatic reading in geography, culture and social studies. Each chapter is broken down into the same exercises from reading to classical texts to listening. The classical texts are dealt with deliberately, not haphazardly. The whole thing is, in fact, deliberate and well thought out.

Book Description

This [second] edition has been thoroughly revised and updated...entries expertly cover the entire sweep of Vietnamese history and culture...the bibliography is quite extensive and impressive...a scholarly and valuable reference book. -- ARBA

Historical Dictionary of India (Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East)

Average customer rating:

Listings do more than provide a paragraph of detail

Historical Dictionary of India (Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East)
Surjit Mansingh
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

General | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0810847701

Customer Reviews:

Listings do more than provide a paragraph of detail.......2006-12-14

College-level collections will find Historical Dictionary of India a powerful addition to the series of historical dictionaries of Asia and the Mid-East: its updated second edition offers over a hundred new cross-referenced dictionary entries, much of which cover the last decade, and other updates add new research, revise the chronology of events, and expand the introduction. Listings do more than provide a paragraph of detail: history and biography embrace pages of detail, at times, and are packed with in-depth coverage suitable for reports.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Average customer rating:

Well worth the money
This will get you started.
Moderately Useful Phrasebook Package

Accent on Afghanistan - Pashto
Accent on Languages
Manufacturer: Penton Overseas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1591257352

Book Description

An Essential Tool For Soldiers and Civilians Working in Afghanistan. Survive and thrive with Accent on Afghanistan Pashto! Learn useful phrases and vocabulary, Afghan culture—history, geography, people, food, religion, and customs—plus ""Do's and Don'ts"" for interactions with Afghans! Includes: • Illustrated Flash Cards. The words you need, with both the Pashto script and pronunciations, plus simple pictures of everyday occurrences—just point it out! The cards come in an easy-snap 3-ring binder. • Audio CD of the vocabulary, recorded with a native speaker of Afghan Pashto. • Cultural Notes Booklet: Get an overview of Iraq, especially of important customs and crucial etiquette. • Quick Reference Guide: The laminated foldout card covers more than 350 essential words and phrases in Arabic and English. Accent on Iraq comes from Accent on Languages, a company providing translation and interpretation services to the federal government since 1997. With over twenty years' experience with foreign language audio programs, Accent on Languages tailored this product to the special needs of military personnel in Iraq. Although designed for soldiers, anyone going to Iraq can use this program!

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the money.......2007-05-09

I speak several language and have a language identifier (French: 3 & a 2++). I bought this as a place to start & I am impressed with the quality and functionality of this book. It comes with an audio cd, a culture guide, cards/pages with the phrases covered in the CD, a culture guide and a laminted pocket card of all of the phrases.
It all fits neatly into this waterproof little binder that fits easily inside your ACU side cargo pocket. The CD is well done as is the book and it is easy to take with you. I have already started chatting with the local nationals here in Bagram that I come in contact with. Sure, it's not Rosetta Stone, but internet connectivity can be very slow here and this little book can go anywhere with you. I like the book so much that I have ordered the Iraq Arabic version & pre-ordered the DARI version. And let's face it, the culture guide is useful because many Americans have never been outside the US, and really don't know that Haji is meant to describe someone that has been to Mecca on pilgrimage, and it should only be used as a term of respect. Grab a copy of these little books while they are still available. They are great- a good quality, common sense product. Finally, something actually written with soliders in mind! I am delighted with this book!! AAA+

This will get you started........2007-01-29

Good as an introduction to Pashto. The Rosetta Stone series is better, yet it is much more expensive. The topics covered here (travel, greetings, food, numbers, etc) are sufficient for someone who has no previous knowledge of the language, this is clearly geared toward teaching soldiers and relief workers. It does include some commands, military terms and ranks. I agree with the other reviewer, the "DOs and Don'ts " are really geared toward complete idiots, it's almost embarrassing that advice like "Don't call everyone you meet 'Hajji'." would need to be dispensed to an American headed overseas. Overall the CD and flash cards are very easy to use together and (unlike some other language courses I have used) the native speaker on the CD is very clear and easy to understand in his pronunciations. The fact is, you can't learn a language just from a dictionary or phrasebook and this set gives you that little bit of an edge to get started with Pashto. You won't find yourself having lengthy conversations or hosting a Pashto discussion group, but you'll have some basics and, if you are in-country, hopefully this will be enough to get you by. I would buy this again, it's well worth what you pay for it...but if you are planning on mastering this language, you might look at other options.

Moderately Useful Phrasebook Package.......2006-12-29

Language portion is limited, but is packaged well. The 'Do's and Don'ts' are unfortunately aimed at the brain-dead though and don't really get into any useful information. Overall, the guide is written for junior soldiers operating in the field, and gives some limited vocabulary. A bit pricey ($26.95 at AAFES) for what you actually get, but a decent multi-media package for the military.

Historical Dictionary of Israeli Intelligence (Historical Dictionaries of Intelligence and Counterintelligence)

Average customer rating:

Israeli intelligence: New information revealed for the first time

Historical Dictionary of Israeli Intelligence (Historical Dictionaries of Intelligence and Counterintelligence)
Ephraim Kahana
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Israel | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

Intelligence & Espionage | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 081085581X

Customer Reviews:

Israeli intelligence: New information revealed for the first time.......2006-05-20

A "Historical Dictionary of Israeli Intelligence," Covers the entire Israeli intelligence community. The dictionary contains a lot of new information published for the first time. The dictionary covers all of the Israeli covert action including Blanket Operation which was never published before. The dicttonary covers the "Mossad," the name of the Israeli foreign intelligence service, is probably the best known Hebrew word after "shalom," the preface suggests.

The new Dictionary, written by Israeli professor Ephraim Kahana, provides background, updated organizational charts, and other information on the Mossad and several other Israeli intelligence and security agencies.

The 424-page Dictionary provides an introduction to Israeli intelligence, along with entries on significant persons, operations and key historical episodes. All of the obvious topics are covered, from the capture of fugitive Nazi Adolf Eichmann to the Jonathan Pollard case, as are other relatively obscure subjects, such as the defense security organization Malmab, and its querulous director Yehiel Horev.

The individual subject entries are mostly brief, and do not include sources or references. But the book includes a fine bibliography (at least for those who lack Hebrew) featuring hardcopy and online resources on Israeli intelligence.

Historical Dictionary of Iran (Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East)

Average customer rating:

A top reference for any in-depth collection
Be very cautious before buying

Historical Dictionary of Iran (Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East)
John H. Lorentz
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

Iran | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0810853302

Book Description

Provides a helpful and balanced guide to the names, places, and events in Iranian history. Includes a chronology and bibliography.

Customer Reviews:

A top reference for any in-depth collection.......2007-04-10

Any college-level holding strong in Middle Eastern courses needs the newly updated and expanded second edition of Historical Dictionary of Iran: it provides reviews of specific events, movements, political and social groups and peoples in Iran, covering 1800 to present with a special emphasis and providing twice as many cross-referenced dictionary entries as in the first volume, revising many historical sources and topics. A top reference for any in-depth collection where students study Middle Eastern countries and issues.

Be very cautious before buying.......2007-03-09

The name is a misnomer. The title, had it been correctly descriptive of the content, should have included such qualifications as "highly selective, extensively abridged, and subjectively chosen points of historical interest." On top of these limitations, I found the price to be quite unreasonable. I must admit that I did not read the book more than just skimming its list of contents and a cursery turning of the pages. Realizing that it was not what the title implied and that it did not seem worth the price, I returned it.

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