Speaking Hebrew at Ketura

With a large majority of native English-speakers, one would expect Ketura to have some issues regarding language use, especially given the Zionist nature of kibbutz settlement. Our policy is that the language of all official meetings and gatherings, and of all the children's houses, is Hebrew. This obviously leaves open the question of social interaction, and in fact, English is more dominant on Ketura than on other kibbutzim with significant numbers of native English speakers.

Ketura etiquette (not policy) generally dictates that if a person from a non-English-speaking country is one of several people together, they all speak Hebrew. Candidates are asked to have a basic knowledge of Hebrew, and the kibbutz generally sends members to advanced Hebrew studies upon request.

The addition of AIES (the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies), which boasts an international student body and is conducted exclusively in English, has made English even more dominant. While kibbutz functions are in Hebrew, AIES hosts a number of lectures and cultural evenings that residents are invited to attend. These evenings are naturally in English.

The growing number of events that take place in English has led to increased sensitivity to language issues on Kibbutz Ketura, particularly since there are members who don't speak or understand English. One attempted solution to the problem was to provide English lessons to those who wished.