HEBREW FOR COMMUNICATION AND HEBREW FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES: SOME THOUGHTS ON METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS

On the basis of personal experience and coll?gial interchange, it would not be out of order to assert that the study of Hebrew does not and, in all likelihood, will not hold high priority in the minds of most of our students. Astronomic drop-out rates among seemingly successful students are a clear indication of this. In short, the issue is how to better maintain their interest rather than how to promote the priority of Hebrew.1 Recent studies on second language are relevant to this discussion. Krashen2 states that the following would seem to be the case: 1. Acquisition is crucial for significant proficiency in the second lan guages while learning is supplementary and, even then, only in certain circumstances.