Yemenite Hebrew language

The Yemenite Hebrew language or Temani Hebrew language is a descendant of Biblical Hebrew traditionally used by Yemenite Jews. Its phonology was heavily influenced by Yemeni-spoken Arabic.

Among the dialects of Hebrew preserved into modern times, Yemenite Hebrew is generally regarded as the form closest to Hebrew as used in ancient times, particularly Tiberian Hebrew and Mishnaic Hebrew. This is evidenced in part by the fact that Yemenite Hebrew preserves a separate sound for every consonant except for ס sāmekh and ש śîn, which are both pronounced /s/.

The late Israeli pop singer Ofra Haza sang some of her songs in Yemenite Hebrew.

See also

• Jew
• Sanaani Hebrew language