Beginner I Yiddish (Sunday)

Tuition: $480 | YIVO members: $375**
Students: $240 (Must register with valid university email address)

This is a live, online course held weekly on Zoom. Enrollment will be capped at about 15 students. All course details (Zoom link, syllabus, handouts, assignments, etc.) will be posted to Canvas. Students will be granted access to the class on Canvas after registering for the class here on the YIVO website. This class will be conducted in Yiddish and English. This class will be 2 hours long with a 10-minute break incorporated in the middle.

Instructor: Nina Warnke

Who should take this course?
This course is appropriate for those who are new to Yiddish or would like a review.

What topics will this class cover?
The focus of the course is primarily the acquisition of Yiddish language skills. Students will develop the ability to comprehend basic Yiddish and to begin to express themselves both in speech and in writing. Students will become familiarized with the fundamentals of Yiddish grammar and will learn vocabulary for introductions, family relations, hobbies, shopping, weather, and work and home life. In addition, we will begin to explore the rich world of Yiddish culture and history.

Is knowledge of the Yiddish alphabet required?
No, knowledge of the Yiddish alphabet is not required. However, students who have no prior experience with reading and writing 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:
The course uses a variety of learning materials and methods, including a contemporary textbook, Fun onheyb (written by the instructor), a series of PowerPoint presentations, and recordings. All course materials will be provided digitally on Canvas.

Nina Warnke grew up 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 has taught Yiddish language, literature and culture at Indiana University, the University of Texas at Austin and Vanderbilt University, as well at Gratz College, YIVO, and the Workers Circle. She has researched and written extensively about the Yiddish theater. Nina is also the lead editor of the Rebecca Gratz Digital Archive at Gratz College and is working as a translator of Yiddish and German texts.

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