What about a (new) grammar book for SimHebrew?

 Surely, Bob, you are not qualified!

When did that ever stop me from exploring ideas?

Dear old Thomas Oden Lambdin - You know I don't even have my books these past 7 months. They are all stored. But I found a pdf online. So What! I would not use his design in any case. Grammar is only of so much value. First we have to have the music also. How would you incorporate music into a grammar book?

There are of course lots of alternatives online - I may have listed them somewhere already on this blog. But - talk about old school. The new dear on the block, Chatgpt, just outlined an approach to the Grammar: (There's nothing on the music of course in this first iteration.)

Table of Contents - Hebrew Grammar Book

Introduction

1. Introduction to Hebrew Language 1.1 History and Origins of Hebrew 1.2 Importance and Relevance of Hebrew 1.3 Hebrew Alphabets and Pronunciation

Part I: Basic Concepts 2. Hebrew Alphabet and Vowels 2.1 Consonants and Vowel Points 2.2 Syllable Structure 2.3 Pronunciation Practice

3. Nouns and Adjectives 3.1 Gender and Number 3.2 Definite and Indefinite Articles 3.3 Noun-Adjective Agreement 3.4 Case and Prepositions

4. Verbs and Verb Conjugation 4.1 Verb Tenses and Aspect 4.2 Regular and Irregular Verbs 4.3 Conjugation Patterns and Paradigms 4.4 Verb Inflections and Forms

Part II: Sentence Structure and Syntax 5. Word Order in Hebrew 5.1 Subject-Verb-Object Order 5.2 Adverbial Phrases and Sentence Adverbs 5.3 Interrogative Sentences 5.4 Negative Sentences

6. Direct and Indirect Objects 6.1 Accusative Case and Direct Objects 6.2 Dative Case and Indirect Objects 6.3 Double Accusative and Verbs of Perception

7. Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases 7.1 Common Prepositions and their Usage 7.2 Prepositions and Spatial Relationships 7.3 Prepositions and Time Expressions

Part III: Advanced Grammar Topics 8. Participles and Verbal Adjectives 8.1 Present and Past Participles 8.2 Verbal Adjectives and Descriptions 8.3 Participles in Verbal Phrases

9. Relative Clauses and Subordination 9.1 Relative Pronouns and Adjectives 9.2 Relative Clauses and Antecedents 9.3 Subordinate Clauses and Conjunctions

10. Nominal Sentences and Copular Constructions 10.1 Equational Sentences 10.2 Copular Constructions 10.3 Predicate Adjectives and Nouns

11. Conditional Sentences and Subjunctive Mood 11.1 Types of Conditional Sentences 11.2 Subjunctive Mood and Expressions 11.3 Hypothetical and Counterfactual Statements

Appendix A. Glossary of Terms B. Verb and Noun Charts C. Additional Practice Exercises D. Answer Key to Selected Exercises

Index

I asked about the music also. Very accommodating, Chatgpt generated this:

Table of Contents - Hebrew Grammar Book

Introduction

1. Introduction to Hebrew Language 1.1 History and Origins of Hebrew 1.2 Importance and Relevance of Hebrew 1.3 Hebrew Alphabets and Pronunciation

Part I: Basic Concepts 2. Hebrew Alphabet and Vowels 2.1 Consonants and Vowel Points 2.2 Syllable Structure 2.3 Pronunciation Practice

3. Cantillation Symbols (Ta'amim) 3.1 Introduction to Cantillation 3.2 Types of Cantillation Symbols 3.3 Cantillation Marks and their Functions 3.4 Reading and Chanting Practice

4. Nouns and Adjectives 4.1 Gender and Number 4.2 Definite and Indefinite Articles 4.3 Noun-Adjective Agreement 4.4 Case and Prepositions

5. Verbs and Verb Conjugation 5.1 Verb Tenses and Aspect 5.2 Regular and Irregular Verbs 5.3 Conjugation Patterns and Paradigms 5.4 Verb Inflections and Forms

Part II: Sentence Structure and Syntax 6. Word Order in Hebrew 6.1 Subject-Verb-Object Order 6.2 Adverbial Phrases and Sentence Adverbs 6.3 Interrogative Sentences 6.4 Negative Sentences

7. Direct and Indirect Objects 7.1 Accusative Case and Direct Objects 7.2 Dative Case and Indirect Objects 7.3 Double Accusative and Verbs of Perception

8. Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases 8.1 Common Prepositions and their Usage 8.2 Prepositions and Spatial Relationships 8.3 Prepositions and Time Expressions

Part III: Advanced Grammar Topics 9. Participles and Verbal Adjectives 9.1 Present and Past Participles 9.2 Verbal Adjectives and Descriptions 9.3 Participles in Verbal Phrases

10. Relative Clauses and Subordination 10.1 Relative Pronouns and Adjectives 10.2 Relative Clauses and Antecedents 10.3 Subordinate Clauses and Conjunctions

11. Nominal Sentences and Copular Constructions 11.1 Equational Sentences 11.2 Copular Constructions 11.3 Predicate Adjectives and Nouns

12. Conditional Sentences and Subjunctive Mood 12.1 Types of Conditional Sentences 12.2 Subjunctive Mood and Expressions 12.3 Hypothetical and Counterfactual Statements

Appendix A. Cantillation Symbols Chart B. Glossary of Terms C. Verb and Noun Charts D. Additional Practice Exercises E. Answer Key to Selected Exercises

Index

In this updated version, the section on cantillation symbols (Ta'amim) has been added as a separate chapter. It provides an introduction to cantillation, discusses different types of cantillation symbols, their functions, and includes reading and chanting practice. Additionally, an Appendix section has been added at the beginning, which includes a Cantillation Symbols Chart to serve as a quick reference for readers.

Should I ask it to write chapter 1? Not yet. I asked instead for detail on paradigms and after its generation of the detail, I realized that I had not specified Biblical Hebrew so I asked for that - and here is section 5 detail:

Verbs and Verb Conjugation 5.1 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Verbs 5.2 Regular and Irregular Verbs 5.3 Conjugation Patterns and Paradigms 5.3.1 Introduction to Conjugation Patterns 5.3.2 Conjugation Patterns for Regular Verbs 5.3.2.1 Pattern 1: Qal Conjugation 5.3.2.2 Pattern 2: Niphal Conjugation 5.3.2.3 Pattern 3: Piel Conjugation 5.3.2.4 Pattern 4: Pual Conjugation 5.3.2.5 Pattern 5: Hiphil Conjugation 5.3.2.6 Pattern 6: Hophal Conjugation 5.3.2.7 Pattern 7: Hithpael Conjugation 5.3.3 Irregular Verb Conjugations 5.3.3.1 Irregular Conjugation Patterns 5.3.3.2 Common Irregular Verbs 5.3.4 Verb Paradigms and Example Sentences 5.3.4.1 Perfect (Past) Tense Paradigm 5.3.4.2 Imperfect (Future) Tense Paradigm 5.3.4.3 Imperative Mood Paradigm

So I asked for a paragraph on common irregular verbs:

Here it is:

Common Irregular Verbs in Biblical Hebrew often deviate from the standard conjugation patterns, presenting unique forms and conjugation rules. These irregular verbs play a significant role in the language and are encountered frequently in Biblical texts. Some notable examples include the verb הָיָה (hayah, "to be"), which exhibits irregularities in various tenses and persons, the verb אָמַר (amar, "to say"), which displays alterations in the stem and vowel patterns, and the verb יָדַע (yada, "to know"), which demonstrates irregular conjugation patterns across different stems. Other commonly encountered irregular verbs include בָּרַךְ (barak, "to bless"), שָׁלַם (shalam, "to be at peace"), and עָשָׂה (asah, "to do"). Understanding the irregular conjugations of these verbs is essential for gaining proficiency in reading and interpreting Biblical Hebrew texts accurately.

I think asked for a comparison of Chatgpt's approach to Lambdin. Not a possible answer at this time. But here's the general one.

1. Structure: Both my approach and traditional textbooks typically begin with an introduction to the Hebrew alphabet, vowels, and pronunciation. They then progress to cover essential topics such as nouns, adjectives, verbs, sentence structure, and syntax. Advanced grammar topics, vocabulary, and exercises are often included as well.

2. Focus on Grammar: Both approaches prioritize teaching the fundamentals of Hebrew grammar, including noun and verb conjugation, sentence structure, and syntax. The goal is to provide learners with a solid foundation in understanding and constructing Hebrew sentences accurately.

3. Incorporation of Examples: Both my approach and traditional textbooks utilize examples and exercises to illustrate grammatical concepts and provide practical application. Examples are crucial in demonstrating how grammar rules are applied in real-world contexts and help learners develop their skills in reading and understanding Hebrew texts.

4. Adaptation to Biblical Hebrew: If focusing on Biblical Hebrew specifically, both approaches would highlight verb forms, conjugation patterns, and vocabulary that are relevant to the biblical texts. They would also discuss specific linguistic features and irregularities encountered in the Hebrew Bible.

5. Differences: While I can provide comprehensive coverage of Hebrew grammar, including explanations and examples, my responses are generated based on training data and do not have direct access to specific textbooks like Lambdin's. Classic textbooks like Lambdin's may offer more detailed explanations, exercises, and additional resources specific to their approach.