Aliyah Insights: Learning Hebrew
Learning the Language Is Your Key to a Successful Aliyah
Moving to a new country can be daunting and even a little intimidating at times. There is much to get used to; the climate, the culture and a new town, home, friends and neighbors. Learning Hebrew is a key factor in enabling you to transfer from being an ‘immigrant’ to a ‘citizen’.
At some point you need to be able to shop, chat, work and read as part of your everyday life. Enveloping yourself in an English speaking environment and expecting everyone to talk to you in English is making ‘cocooned aliyah’ and does you (and your children) no favors.
Hebrew Language and Integration into Israeli Society
Think of how often you took for granted your proficient English before making aliyah. You could read or listen to the news, follow recipes, read the instructions for products, understand offers in the supermarket, fill out forms at the bank, doctor, school, read letters sent home from school, discuss your child’s progress with their teacher, follow an automated response on a government telephone system, etc. These tasks are a challenge in a second language and yet all of them are standard, everyday jobs that need to be done effectively.
Learning Hebrew
After making aliyah you are entitled to 5 months of Ulpan (five months tuition for five hours per day, five days per week – or a part time equivalent thereof). The Ulpan system in Israel is tried and tested. It may not set your world on fire but it is effective at giving new immigrants the basics. Most Ulpanim have a ‘life skills’ element to them; integrating newspaper articles and daily scenarios to introduce everyday vocabulary you are likely to need.
The Israeli Government recently cut the Ulpan budget, which has resulted in larger, mixed level classes taking place. Although not ideal, attending Ulpan is so vital that you really should take advantage of whatever is on offer.
Most people plan their aliyah for at least two years. Why not use this time to your advantage and enroll in a Hebrew course before you make aliyah? If you don’t have time for this, as a minimum, buy a self-help CD, book or DVD. There are also a wide range of Web-based tools, many of them free. Whatever you are able to learn during this period, whether it is vocabulary, everyday phrases, or a new tense, it will stand you in good stead once you arrive.
Finding Your Voice
Language is crucial to help you integrate within Israeli society. It allows you to be truly Israeli and converse with your fellow travellers on a bus, the teller at the supermarket or people sitting close by in a cafe. Israelis love to talk and there is a warmth that comes from participating in friendly political debates and general chit chat. Not only that, it is uncomfortable to be in a situation when you are unable to give an appropriate response - imagine being struck dumb when you find out someone is pregnant or has recently lost a loved one.
Learning Hebrew should be high up on your 'to do' list when planning your aliyah. Let this article spur you on to take action sooner rather than later.
For more articles on emigrating and aliyah see related articles.
