Hebrew Class: HEBREW CLASS l #23 l "2.3 E-Type Vowels" l John J. Parsons l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch


	Printer-Friendly Version


	The next vowel group you will learn is sometimes called the "E-type" because it indicates an "e" sound (as in "red" or "eight") when combined with a letter. The "simple" E-type vowels have the following pattern:




		Note that the "X" refers to any Hebrew letter (for example Aleph, Bet, and so on) and the rectangular box below the letter refers to a one the following types of vowel marks (nikkudim):





		Notes:

Although these vowel marks look different, they all represent an "e"sound.
Note which vowel is long (Tsere) and which are short (Segol, Chateph Segol).
The Chateph Segol is sometimes called a "half vowel" and is the shortest of all vowels: it can only appear under the guttural letters.
There is a slight difference in pronunciation between Tsere and Segol (Tsere has a longer "e" (as in they) sound, whereas Segol has a slightly shorter sound).


	Basic Syllables


	A syllable is called "open" when it does not end with a "stopping" sound:


	A syllable is called "closed" when it ends with a "stopping" sound:


	Open Syllables:


	Closed Syllables:


	Full E-Type VowelIn addition to the three simple E-type vowels, there are two variations that you should be aware of: Both Tsere and Segol may have a Yod immediately following it (the Yod then functions not as a consonant, but as a vowel letter): The "X" refers to any Hebrew letter (for example Aleph, Bet, and so on) and the rectangular box below the letter refers to a vowel mark location. When the letter Yod follows a letter with a Tsere or Segol, it functions not as a consonant, but as a vowel letter. This is called a "consonantal vowel" and the result is called a "full" vowel.





	Practice Readings

	One syllable:


	Two syllables:


	Three syllables:


	Return to Unit Two Contents


		Hebrew for Christians Copyright © John J. Parsons All rights reserved.

Hebrew Class