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Yiddish: An Introduction to the Language, Literature and Culture; a Textbook for Intermediate Students
The follow up to the popular first volume of An Introduction is perfect for the intermediate student. Continue your Yiddish studies using the comprehensive methods utilized in the first volume.
394 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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December 11, 2025
This is an excellent book for learning Yiddish at the intermediate level.
I have worked through the book guided by two excellent teachers: first Beruriah Wiegand, in the Lower Intermediate Yiddish course of the University of Oxford, and then David Omar Cohen, in private lessons. With a teacher to explain the details of word order, to model the pronunciation of loshn-koydesh words, and to correct homework, the book remains an excellent resource.
It covers the important points of Yiddish grammar, the alphabet (print and cursive), word order, idiom, and so on. Moreover, the book also gives a glimpse of the rich tradition of Yiddish literature. Highly recommended.
My only quibble is that the author often prescribes rather than describes Yiddish language use. For example, even though several alternate orthographies are mentioned, the author tells her readers that they should only use the standard YIVO orthography — presumably even when communicating with their Hasidic friends.
I have worked through the book guided by two excellent teachers: first Beruriah Wiegand, in the Lower Intermediate Yiddish course of the University of Oxford, and then David Omar Cohen, in private lessons. With a teacher to explain the details of word order, to model the pronunciation of loshn-koydesh words, and to correct homework, the book remains an excellent resource.
It covers the important points of Yiddish grammar, the alphabet (print and cursive), word order, idiom, and so on. Moreover, the book also gives a glimpse of the rich tradition of Yiddish literature. Highly recommended.
My only quibble is that the author often prescribes rather than describes Yiddish language use. For example, even though several alternate orthographies are mentioned, the author tells her readers that they should only use the standard YIVO orthography — presumably even when communicating with their Hasidic friends.
Displaying 1 of 1 review