Hebrew by osmosis

[cellio]

I've had poor results trying to learn Hebrew formally, and some ok results just picking things up by osmosis, so it's time to ask for some pointers from my Hebrew-literate friends. (Ok, my timing probably stinks what with Pesach and all. If I don't get any replies, I'll try this again in a week. But I'm thinking of it now.)

I think it's time for me to read.

I should probably aim for a mix of children's books (real young children) and books that are a little less, err, intellectually lame. I mean, most adults will tire pretty quickly of "see Dick run", and I'm no exception. I'm wondering if books with simpler vocabulary that are already familiar to me would be reasonable candidates -- things like The Little Prince or some of Aesop's fables or the like. I read that stuff in English as a young child (definitely fables before kindergarten), so it should be possible.

Anything I try to read has to have full nikud (vowels), at least for now. Larger print is a plus. And I'd like to be able to buy it by mail, to avoid funny looks in Pinsker's (or, worse yet, them assuming I have children).

Does anyone have any suggestions?

And no, I'm not interested in reading Harry Potter in Hebrew. Didn't read it in English; don't want to read it in another language. And anyway, it doesn't have nikud. :-)

Comments

Can I help?

[lefkowitzga.livejournal.com]

Let me contact my old Hebrew school - I was thinking of going for a refresher anyway.

The elementary hebrew text we used was very good for learning vocabulary and grammar. If I can get a copy, it might be a good basis to start you on the kid's books. They might also have some simple language texts that aren't lame intellectually.

BTW, I had training in teaching hebrew and taught hebrew school when I was in college. We could set something up if you're interested.

Re: Can I help?

[cellio]

You are way more advanced than I am, so I'd probably bore you with my efforts, but if you're up for it anyway I'd welcome the help. But I'm really trying to focus on the written language, so if you're looking for a conversation partner that probably wouldn't work out. (Conversation can come later, but I want to pass through the stage where you see the words.)

Hmm. If you're looking to practice generation (I'm not there yet), I'd be willing to attempt to read whatever you attempt to write. :-)