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Answers to many of your questions
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Check out these common misconceptions about our work.
Why are you teaching us to speak? I only want to be able to read.
Why are you teaching us to speak? I only want to be able to read.
How soon will I be able to read the Bible?
How soon will I be able to read the Bible?
Can I learn both Greek and Hebrew at the same time?
Can I learn both Greek and Hebrew at the same time?
Learning multiple languages is fun and is something we definietly recommend. But to be able to get a good foundation for each language, especially as we are talking about language intuition, not just head knowledge, it is advisable to leave at least 3-6 months between starting a new language. In general, we would suggest that you complete our 3rd language course (Greek 3 or Hebrew 3) before starting the other language.
What is the difference between language knowledge and language skills?
What is the difference between language knowledge and language skills?
I already know the language. Can I start at a higher level?
I already know the language. Can I start at a higher level?
If you have previously learned the language with a grammar-based approach, you will not find the 1st level hard to follow. However, because our method is different right from the start and processes the language differently in your brain, we still suggest you start at the beginning.
Why do the Hebrew lessons include singing?
Why do the Hebrew lessons include singing?
Do I need to buy any books?
Do I need to buy any books?
What's the connection between TAAL and Tyndale Theological Seminary?
What's the connection between TAAL and Tyndale Theological Seminary?
Are TAAL's programs accredited?
Are TAAL's programs accredited?
Testimonials
Hear what our students think of our teaching approach. Many of them have tried before to learn the Biblical languages, but struggled. Or they have had qualms about learning Greek and Hebrew, based on their experience learning other languages in an education setting.
Check out our social media channels to find out more!
Common misconceptions
"TAAL doesn't teach grammar."
You can teach someone to ride a bike by explaining the theory or you can teach someone to do it. In the same way, we teach grammar in the first place by doing. But that doesn't mean that we are not teaching text-book grammar. We do explain the grammar and teach the common grammatical terms, but we introduce the principles inductively. That means that by giving different examples, students can deduce the grammatical 'rule'. We are not purists, so we do use the grammar approach to support the communicative approach. In this way, our students can also use grammatical commentaries and evaluate their validity, with the extra component of the intuitive grammar they have built up as an extra check.
"TAAL believes grammar-based teaching is wrong."
We don't actually believe that it's wrong to learn a language from the grammar. What we do believe is that this style has a very different impact on reading fluency. It all depends on how your brain is wired, but also on how you apply the knowledge in different ways. That is why we use the communicative approach, because it helps students to apply the knowledge immediately and build up the skills to use the language. We do not believe that learning grammar is wrong. What we believe is that is doesn't guarantee language fluency.
"Intuitive learning everything just happens automatically."
Yes and no. Intuition is something that develops. It's basically the brain recognising patterns out of such frequent repetition, that you just automatically do things right. But this means that the brain first needs to be exposed to the pattern a crazy amount of times. And putting yourself in that exposure does take effort. Repetition is key, but in different settings. Otherwise you can give the paradigm without being able to analyse a verb you come across.
"I don't have to put any effort into this class."
We sometimes come across students who think that just attending the class will be enough. While exposure or 'soaking' is absolutely crucial, our classes are designed for you to do the work in between. We are counting on you doing the assignments, which are geared to repetition and application. Doing your weekly homework all in one go is not helpful either. The brain needs time to process and the repetition principle works best if you spread out your learning moments. So for instance, if you have 2 classes a week and 5 hours of homework, it's best to do 1 hour a day on the days you don't have class. That way, you will have some exposure every day, as well as time to rest, which aids the processing of information and improves retention.
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