In all languages besides Hebrew, the letters are simply the way words are formed for the purpose of communication. They have no other function and no other significance. The Hebrew alphabet, however, is laden with great spiritual power. Our Sages teach that Hashem created the world using the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. When He proclaimed, "Yehi Or" ("There shall be light"), the letters that comprise these words brought light into existence. Likewise, the Gemara teaches that Besalel, the chief artisan who led the construction of the Mishkan, had the knowledge of how to combine different letters and form the various configurations through which the world was created. Beyond these creative powers, there are numerous layers of meanings to the Hebrew letters, their shapes, and also their numerical values (Gematria). Indeed, several Kabbalists authored works unearthing the deep secrets underlying the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In light of this, one might wonder whether Birkot Ha'Torah must be recited before one learns the alphabet. If somebody did not receive a Jewish education as a child, and has now committed to religious observance, should he be told to recite Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning before he studies the Hebrew alphabet? Does this study qualify as the study of Torah that must be preceded by Birkot Ha'Torah? The answer is that in this case, where the person is studying only the letters themselves, what they look like and how to pronounce them, he does not need to recite Birkot Ha'Torah. Certainly, however, if one studies the depth and meaning behind the letters, then this is considered Torah learning, and he must recite Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning before such study. Must one recite Birkot Ha'Torah before studying Hebrew grammar? Rav Yaakob Emden (Germany, 1697-1776) addresses the question of whether one may study grammar in the restroom, where Torah learning is forbidden, and he writes that one should not, as studying Hebrew grammar will invariably lead him to think of verses in the Torah. It emerges from this ruling that studying grammar does not intrinsically qualify as Torah learning, and so it does not require the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah. However, this applies only if a person studies grammar as a secular field of study. If one studies grammar specifically for the purpose of enhancing his understanding of Torah, then this qualifies as Torah learning, and requires Birkot Ha'Torah. Summary: If a person is learning the Hebrew alphabet, and he wishes to study the letters in the morning before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah, he may. However, if a person studies the depth and meaning behind the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, this qualifies as Torah study and requires the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah. Studying Hebrew grammar as a secular field does not require the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah, but learning Hebrew grammar for the sake of better understanding Torah qualifies as Torah learning and requires the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah.