Is Hebrew Really Easy to Learn if You Speak Arabic?

There’s a common belief out there you can quickly learn Hebrew if you know Arabic. The assumption stems from the fact they’re both Semitic languages and share similar origins. However, is this a genuine claim or a bold assumption?

The truth is, there’s no easy answer. If you start digging, Arabic and Hebrew do have similarities. However, they are also inherently different languages. But if you’re curious, we’ve drawn up the similarities and differences between the two languages.

The Similarities in Arabic and Hebrew

Other than being Semitic languages, Arabic and Hebrew share other similarities, which linguists use to support their claim. Here are a few of them.

1. Similar Conjunctions: Similar conjunction patterns can be found between Arabic and Hebrew, making them appear similar. However, it’s important to note that while past and future tenses can be the same, the present tense is drastically different.
2. Same Alphabets: Not all, but some of the alphabets that are used in Arabic and Hebrew are similar. In fact, the very first alphabet is pronounced alef in both languages.
3. Sentence Structure: Hebrew and Arabic are both written right to left and share similar sentence structures where ‘the’ is used to express ownership within a sentence.

The Differences Between Arabic And Hebrew

All of these similarities may have you thinking that the claim is true, and we’re being too picky by saying otherwise. However, the similarities stop there. While Arabic speakers definitely have a head start in their Hebrew learning process, to say that the two languages are the same is a bit of a stretch! Here are some important differences.

1. Pronunciation: Arabic has alphabets that can be challenging to pronounce, mostly if you haven’t practiced the language before. In comparison, Hebrew has relativity easy-to-pronounce words, even for beginners.
2. Spoken vs. Written: Arabic has vastly different writing and speaking style, which can make matters a little tricky. Additionally, the many Arabic dialects make it challenging to keep track of vocabulary. Hebrew is comparatively easier since both the writing and speaking styles are close to each other and don’t need much amendment.
3. Plurals terms: In Hebrew, much like English, plural terms are often predictable. However, when it comes to Arabic, they all have to be learned individually.

If you would like to learn Hebrew, get in touch with us at Ulpan Or. We provide Hebrew language learning classes online that can be availed from the comfort of your own home. You can also take a test to determine your language level! Contact us today for more information.