Tiberian vocalization

Tiberian vocalization refers to a system of vowel markings used in the Hebrew language, particularly in texts from the Talmud and the Hebrew Bible. Developed by Jewish scholars in Tiberias between the 8th and 10th centuries, it provides a way to indicate how words should be pronounced, as Hebrew originally did not have written vowels. This system uses dots and dashes placed around consonants to guide readers in pronunciation, which is essential for understanding the meaning of texts, especially in religious contexts where precise interpretation is crucial.