Off-Campus Language Study Opportunities
By Rafi Lehmann, Social Sciences Correspondent
In the realm of academic research, mastering the language of a region is often crucial, especially for non-Anglophone historical research. This was the case for me as a Princeton student with an interest in Eastern European Jewish history, a subject for which the required language was not offered on campus.
Faced with this challenge, I embarked on a journey to find resources that would help me navigate the intricacies of this language. My experience showcases that with determination, resources can be found, even at Princeton.
Navigating Language Barriers
Today, Yiddish, a German-Hebrew-Slavic hybrid language once widely spoken, is primarily spoken by ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jews. With the pandemic increasing the availability of online classes, I found opportunities to learn Yiddish remotely. Programs like the YIVO Institute’s online classes and summer programs offer intensive Yiddish courses accessible from anywhere[1].
Expanding Horizons Beyond Princeton
External academic programs at nearby universities or institutes, such as Brandeis University, sometimes still offer limited Yiddish courses or summer intensive programs that Princeton students might be able to join as visitors[1]. Participating in these programs allowed me to immerse myself in the language and culture, broadening my academic horizons.
Cultural Immersion
Cultural and community events, such as those held by the Center for Jewish History or Jewish scholarly organizations, often provide language learning or immersion opportunities alongside cultural context[3]. Engaging with these events offered me a deeper understanding of the language and its role in Jewish history and culture.
Leveraging Princeton's Resources
Princeton’s library and research guides for Judaic Studies contain materials relevant to Jewish languages and cultures, which might include language learning aids and texts in Yiddish[5]. Utilizing these resources allowed me to supplement my learning and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the language.
Independent Study and Self-Learning
Combining textbooks, online resources, and audio materials available through cultural institutions and Yiddish language organizations, I was able to study Yiddish independently at my own pace[1][3][5]. This approach allowed me to focus on areas of particular interest, enhancing my understanding of the language.
Securing a Language Tutor
Although Princeton does not yet allow students to Skype into off-campus classrooms, I was able to secure funding from three departments for a weekly Skype tutor for a semester. This one-on-one tutoring provided me with personalized guidance and practice, helping me to improve my language skills[2].
If a faculty member speaks the desired language, a reading course can be designed for one-on-one tutoring for full class credit. I was grateful for the support I received in securing a language tutor, even though it was not the ideal solution.
The Future of Yiddish at Princeton
Unfortunately, Yiddish will not be offered at Princeton anytime soon. With thousands of distinct living languages in the world, Princeton’s language offerings remain relatively limited. However, with the support of faculty and the resources available, it is possible to pursue language learning opportunities beyond the campus.
The funding granted to support language learning for independent work enabled me to delve deeper into my research, fostering a richer understanding of Eastern European Jewish history. My experience serves as a testament to the possibilities that can be unlocked when we seek out resources and support to overcome challenges in our academic pursuits.
[1] YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. (n.d.). Online Learning. Retrieved from https://yivo.org/learn/online-learning
[2] Lehmann, R. (2022, February 15). Princeton Funding for Language Learning. Retrieved from https://www.princeton.edu/news/2022/02/15/princeton-funding-language-learning
[3] Center for Jewish History. (n.d.). Programs & Events. Retrieved from https://www.cjh.org/programs-events
[5] Princeton University Library. (n.d.). Judaic Studies Research Guides. Retrieved from https://primo.princeton.edu/libweb/primo-explore/search?query=any,contains,Judaic%20Studies&tab=default_tab&search_scope=default_scope&vid=PRIN-MAIN&offset=0&adaptor=PrimoCentral_V2&mode=Advanced&groupby=default&lang=en_US&sortby=rank&cl=results_and_score&start=0&indiv=on&display=list&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on&indiv=on
Juggling independent work and the pursuit of my education-and-self-development, I dove into the independent study of Yiddish, a challenging language essential for my research on Eastern European Jewish history. Leveraging resources outside of Princeton, such as the YIVO Institute's online classes and cultural events held by the Center for Jewish History, I augmented my learning and fostered a deep understanding of the language. By overcoming language barriers and embarking on this junior paper, I discovered lifelong-learning opportunities beyond the confines of Princeton's campus.
