LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY
A Century of Hebrew Literature“The maiden we call Hebrew/ Is the youngest born in a very good family /
Her problem, though, she messes around./ Every day it’s another story “
A Linguistic Problem Dan PagisHow does a dead language come alive and become the instrument that propels and sustains the cultural renaissance and evolution of a people?
When the strictly liturgical Hebrew language met the revival of Jewish nationalism, at the end of the nineteenth century, there came a need for an authentic Jewish language fit for the modern age. With language came a flourishing literary production, and the construction of an old/new cultural identity.
In this course we will read literary works from various moments in the twentieth century, before, during and after the birth of Israel, among which: Nobel laureate S.Y. Agnon, Russian- Hebrew poets, (Sephardic) Israeli author A.B. Yehoshua, Batya Gur, (known as the P.D James of Hebrew literature), and many others. Some historical and background material will accompany the readings. All readings are in English translations.
COURSE LENGTH: 12 weeks
DISCUSSION TEAM: Noga Emanuel, Suzanne Lawson, Olga Sher
FIRST SESSION: Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 6:15 pm
