THE LANGUAGE OF SEPHARDIC JEWS: FROM THE CONTEXT OF THE BALKANS TO THE CONTEXT OF MULTILINGUALISM IN THE ISRAELI TERRITORY Cover Image

LA LENGUA DE LOS SEFARDÍES: DEL CONTEXTO DE LOS BALCANES AL CONTEXTO DEL MULTILINGÜISMO EN EL TERRITORIO ISRAELÍ
THE LANGUAGE OF SEPHARDIC JEWS: FROM THE CONTEXT OF THE BALKANS TO THE CONTEXT OF MULTILINGUALISM IN THE ISRAELI TERRITORY

Author(s): Jelena Kovač
Subject(s): Language studies, Jewish studies, Sociolinguistics
Published by: Филолошки факултет, Универзитет у Београду
Keywords: Judeo-Spanish; Balkan context; Israeli context; maintenance in different domains; sociolinguistic research

Summary/Abstract: In this paper we deal with the language of Sephardic Jews, Judeo-Spanish, from the perspective of sociolinguistics, emphasizing the facets necessary for the language maintenance. The general aim of the paper is to analyze the presence and the role of this language in majority and minority social communities in the contexts of the Balkans and the Israeli territory, while the specific aim is to examine which domains of language use were crucial for its maintenance within society. The ultimate goal of this research is to draw attention to the importance of maintaining this minority language as an important part of Sephardic culture and universal culture as well. We conduct this sociolinguistic research through the analysis of the available literature, relevant books and articles on Judeo-Spanish. The results of the conducted research have led us to the conclusion that, except the native speakers’ support which is also very important, support for the language in the public domain is crucial for the language maintenance and survival within society.

  • Issue Year: 5/2021
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 109-119
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Spanish