Beginner I Yiddish (Tuesday Evening)
Instructor: Nina Warnke
Who should take this course?
This course is for students who are new to the Yiddish language or would like a review.
What topics will this class cover?
You will learn the alef-beys (alphabet), and basic reading and writing skills. By the end of the class, you will be able to have a simple conversation talking about yourself and your interests, friends, and family and inquiring about others.
We’ll be listening to songs and will be reading poems, stories, and proverbs from a wide variety of sources, places and times—and, of course, talk about Passover—to introduce you to various aspects of Yiddish culture.
Is knowledge of the Yiddish alphabet required?
No, knowledge of the Yiddish alphabet is not required. However, students who have no prior experience with the Yiddish or Hebrew alphabets are highly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Yiddish alphabet before class, as the course will move at a fast pace. The tools and videos provided here will be helpful in getting a handle on reading and writing the alef-beys, and are designed for independent use.
Course Materials:
This course will use the textbook In eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook, Vol I & II by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, Mikhl Yashinsky. This engaging, richly illustrated textbook focuses on communication and additionally offers a variety of listening exercises through its online supplement. (Purchase)
Nina Warnke currently teaches online Yiddish language courses for Gratz College. She was born and raised in Germany, where she started to learn Yiddish before studying in the Oxford Summer Program and receiving her Ph.D. in Yiddish Studies from Columbia University. During that time she directed the YIVO zumer program for a few years. Since then Nina taught Yiddish language, literature and culture courses at Indiana University, the University of Texas at Austin and Vanderbilt University. She has researched and written extensively about the Yiddish theater and is also working as a translator of Yiddish and German texts.
Tuition: $350
YIVO members: $275**
Students: $175 (Must register with valid university email address)
