This site was compiled and is maintained by Sarah J. Blake.
One of the most common things I find on the Web when I search for information about how a blind person can study biblical languages is more inquiries just like mine. "Can I make my screen reader read Hebrew or Greek to me?" "Can I make this stuff show up properly in braille?" "Is there such a thing as braille to represent this language?"
Some of these questions can be answered emphatically, "Yes." Others must be answered, "No." Still others have no answers at this time. This page is designed to provide the resources to answer those questions which can be answered. As more resources become available in the future, perhaps more questions will be answered positively.
More people are interested in the study of biblical and ancient languages than I expected would be the case. I believe that this is partially because technology has made studying them possible. I also know that there is still a long way to go in making it truly possible to study these languages on an equal footing with sighted people. Perhaps some of those who are currently studying, like myself, will take part in the development of new resources to increase accessibility of language study.
I began studying Hebrew in 2007, working with a private tutor. My study ixperience went well; but the question of whether I could study along with a standard university class remained. Part of the problem was that I did not have access to the same textbook used by the other students. The other part of the problem concerned the adaptations I needed to make in order to study effectively. Could I make those adaptations efficiently and keep up with the rest of the class?
In 2008, I took an intensive Greek course, completing two semesters of study in five weeks. I obtained the textbook used by the class; and I studied along with the class, completing the same work. Some modifications were made in my coursework requirements due to difficulty in exchanging test materials with the professor. However, I found that I was, indeed, able to complete the course and follow along with class discussions and activities.
Bib_lang_brl is a discussion group for anyone interested in the study of biblical languages by people who are blind.
The following resources provide information and assistance for students of Greek and Hebrew and those who work with them. To my knowledge, there are no resources available for study of other ancient languages (e.g. Acadian, Syriak, etc.)
An Overview of Issues in the Study of Biblical Languages for Students Who Are Blind
This article assists professors and other staff in understanding the needs of blind students who are studying biblical languages.
The Experience of Hebrew Study as a Student Who is Blind
This paper provides detailed documentation of my experience with Hebrew study. It is intended to be nontechnical; however, some portions are by nature somewhat technical.
Displaying Hebrew and Greek on a Braille Display with JAWS
Since screen readers cannot read aloud in ancient languages, the best method for using a computer to access language materials is to configure a screen reader to display the characters properly on a braille display. This page provides detailed instructions for installing the JAWS braille table which I have modified to display Hebrew and Greek characters. It also provides information about modifying the table further if necessary.
Writing in Greek and Hebrew Using Your Keyboard
I use the keyboards from Logos Software, which map Greek and Hebrew characters to their English equivalents and display precomposed diacritics compatible with braille. This page has links to download the two keyboards, instructions for installing them, links to tables showing the braille signs for each character, its name, and its keyboard assignment, and information for making JAWS read individual characters while typing or editing.
Hebrew Visions
This site provides downloadable Hebrew texts in braille format. Resources include a basic manual for Hebrew braille, Hebrew-English and English-Hebrew dictionary, Hebrew Bible, and Rashi commentaries.
New Testament Greek tools from Bartimaeus Group
Many textbooks, Greek NT, and study aids in downloadable braille format which can be printed on an embosser or used with a braille display.
Hebrew World
Many audio resources available, including the Hebrew Bible narrated for the Central Library for the Blind in Israel. Other resources include software which has not been tested with screen readers and a number of printed texts.
Elementary Greek
This is a free downloadable course by James Voelz from Concordia Seminary.
Elementary Hebrew
This is a free downloadable course from Concordia Seminary by Andrew Bartelt.
Hebrew Readings
This is a free downloadable course from Concordia seminary by Andrew Bartelt. Lauren Touchman sent a note informing me that the pronunciation is Ashkenazic rather than Sephardic. If you have had exposure to Hebrew or plan to continue your study, this may make a difference to you.
Biblical Tools for Bible Study
This course from BiblicalTraining.org, taught by William Mounce, provides the knowledge necessary to use commentaries effectively. Registration for this site is free and enables access to all courses.
Biblical Greek
This is another course from BiblicalTraining.org, also taught by Bill Mounce. The material is appropriate to learning biblical Greek and is tailored to Mounce's textbook. It is, however, a reasonable supplement to other materials if you don't have this text.
Teknia
Bill Mounce's site offers Greek and Hebrew audio instruction materials available for $79. These are complete two-semester courses and are available on CD or for download. (Checking delivery as a shipping option will get you the CD vs. download, which will put the files in your account for download.)
If you have information to add to this page or need assistance, please email me at sjblake@growingstrong.org.
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