Languages

Starting Yiddish:

• Beginner: Enroll in a 100-level course with no prior experience.
• Advanced Placement: Contact the Student Services Coordinator at js-student-services@umich.edu to assess your level.

Why Study Yiddish? Yiddish, a blend of Germanic, Slavic, and Hebraic elements, was a cornerstone of Jewish culture for over a millennium. It unlocks the rich history of Jewish immigrants, particularly those from Eastern Europe, and is now primarily spoken by Hasidic Jewish communities in Israel and the U.S.

Benefits of Learning Yiddish:

• Cultural Insight: Gain a deep understanding of Eastern European Jewish heritage and the Jewish American immigrant experience.
• Interdisciplinary Study: Engage with historical, literary, and religious texts, and explore aspects like film, media, politics, and folklore.
• Skill Development: Achieve fluency in reading, writing, speaking, and composing Yiddish.

Course Offerings: Yiddish courses, provided by the Jean & Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies and the Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures, are listed under both Judaic Studies and Yiddish.

About Judeo-Spanish: Judeo-Spanish, also known as Ladino, Judezmo, or Spanyolit, is a Romance language spoken by Sephardic Jews. Originating in the Iberian Peninsula, it spread globally after the expulsions from Spain (1492) and Portugal (1497). Judeo-Spanish is a mixture of medieval Castilian Spanish and various languages including Hebrew, Arabic, and Turkish.

Historical Context: Although it faces the threat of extinction, Judeo-Spanish is experiencing a revival. Initially written in Hebrew script, it's often transcribed using the Latin alphabet today.

Cultural Significance: Studying Judeo-Spanish offers insights into Sephardic Jewish culture and history, spanning regions such as Israel, the Balkans, North Africa, and Turkey.

The Hebrew Language program is part of the Middle East Studies department. Click here for more information about studying Hebrew at the University of Michigan.

Why Study Hebrew?

• Original Scriptures: Read the Hebrew Bible in its original language.
• Literature & Scholarship: Access a wealth of Hebrew literature and academic work.
• Cultural Connection: Deepen your understanding of Israeli culture, history, and politics.
• Enhanced Learning: Knowledge of Hebrew enriches your grasp on modern Israeli identities and provides a comprehensive linguistic foundation.
  

Course Levels: Courses range from beginner to advanced, with options for studying modern and biblical Hebrew. Many Jewish literature and cinema classes also offer Hebrew language components.