Uriel Weinreich Summer Program Testimonial: Silvia Hansman, ‘23

The Power of Immersion

by Silvia Hansman, Summer Program ‘23

For years I have been dedicated to the investigation and preservation of texts in Yiddish. In my daily work, I read historical texts, decipher, and translate manuscripts. However, for a long time, I felt that I had to get out of my comfort zone and work on my communication and production skills.

From the leveling interview on, I realized that this seminar would be a unique experience. The great commitment of the teachers, organizers, and teaching assistants was felt in the warmth and support they gave to each student.

The teachers are true experts from all over the world. Their attitudes were always generous, educational, and inspiring. The program is very well thought out because it challenges you in all areas of language—speaking, listening, and reading comprehension. What surprised me most about the classes, including the grammar classes, was that they had a practical and functional approach, with an emphasis on access to the resources available online, such as databases, dictionaries, thesauri, etc.

This seminar gave me the possibility to dedicate myself intensively to reviewing the gaps in my training and to start communicating with others, especially with motivated and positive people who share a love for Yiddish. After a couple of weeks, I began noticing a new feeling of familiarity and comfort with the language, which makes me very happy.

Thanks to the program, I will be able to put into practice new ideas and knowledge in my academic and archival work at Fundación IWO in Argentina. Moreover, I am convinced that studying Yiddish in this seminar improved my understanding of the other languages that interest me, like Hebrew, Russian, and even my mother tongue, Spanish. I am very grateful to YIVO for this experience, and I hope to be able to participate again in future programs.

Learn more about the Uriel Weinreich Summer Program in Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture.