nonHebrewspeaking

nonHebrewspeaking is an adjective used to describe people or groups who do not speak Hebrew, or whose everyday language is not Hebrew. The term is mostly used in sociolinguistic discussions about Israel and Jewish communities abroad, where Hebrew serves as a national or liturgical language but is not the home language for all members.

Historical background: Modern Hebrew was revived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and became the state language of Israel in 1948. As a result, Hebrew became the primary second language for many Jews and non-Jews settling in Israel. Nevertheless, substantial populations live in Israel and in diaspora who do not speak Hebrew at home, relying on other languages such as Arabic, Russian, English, Amharic, Yiddish, Ladino, or the local lingua franca.

Contexts: In Israel, Arab citizens and immigrant communities may be non-Hebrew-speaking at home; among Ultra-Orthodox groups, daily use of Yiddish or other languages may predominate, with Hebrew used in religious study and national life. In the diaspora, Hebrew literacy varies; some communities study Modern Hebrew for religious, cultural, or educational reasons but continue to use other languages daily.

Linguistic aspects: Non-Hebrewspeaking status can reflect levels of exposure, education, and language policy. It often coexists with multilingualism, with Hebrew learned as a second language while preserving home languages. Language shift can occur over generations, reducing daily Hebrew use among older or isolated groups.

Notes: The label is descriptive and not a value judgement; it may overlook multilingual repertoires and translanguaging practices.