Validation through Hebrew Literature

Abstract

This paper deals with the selection of teaching material at school-leaving and
tertiary levels in Hebrew learning institutes outside of the state of Israel. It proposes
that, in addition to the core teaching material that is Israeli literature, one should
include a sample of local works, as these are of great benefit in validating the students\'
lives as well as the viability of Hebrew language and literature. Such material, written
in Hebrew, yet portraying familiar existence, interlinks various aspects of students\'
identity – such as their religious or ideological affiliation, together with their domestic
life experience – with the Hebrew language. Furthermore, the paper suggests that
personal validation through this particular study material may attract students to
researching this field and lure them to produce similar works if they have the literary
inclination.

Journal for Language Teaching vol Vol. 41 (2) 2007: pp. 112-123