Speaking Jewish Around the Globe: New course runs Feb. 5-April 30
Hannah Pressman
This 12-part course introduces students to the history, linguistic features, and current status of 10 endangered Jewish languages from around the world. Led by Sarah Bunin Benor, Director, HUC-JIR Jewish Language Project, this is a rare opportunity to learn from experts on particular languages, including both senior and up-and-coming scholars. Each session will offer a general overview of a language, including migration patterns, regional dialects, Hebrew/Aramaic words and other features that distinguish the language of Jews, writing systems, how different community members speak differently, and current uses by native and non-native speakers. These engaging lectures will include maps, images, and videos, and there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.
February 5: Sarah Bunin Benor: What are Jewish languages?
February 12: Sarah Bunin Benor: How endangered are Jewish languages?
February 19: Bryan Kirschen: Ladino / Judeo-Spanish
February 26: Alan Niku: Judeo-Persian, Judeo-Median, and other Iranian Jewish languages
March 5: Ophira Gamliel: Jewish Malayalam
March 12: Ofra Tirosh-Becker: Judeo-Arabic
March 19: Julia Krivoruchko: Judeo-Greek
March 26: Hilah Kohen: Juhuri
April 2: Ruben Shimonov: Bukharian
April 16: Geoffrey Khan: Jewish Neo-Aramaic
April 23: Aaron Rubin: Judeo-Italian
April 30: Evgeniya Gutova: Judeo-Berber
