New Exhibit! Jewish Languages: A Cultural Dialogue

Jews are a multi-ethnic people who have spoken many languages. Wherever Jews have lived, they have spoken and written similarly to their non-Jewish neighbors, but their languages have also been distinct. Some Jewish languages have differed by only a few embedded Hebrew words, but others have been so different in grammar and pronunciation that Jews and non-Jews could barely communicate.

This 31-panel capsule exhibit, designed to be modular and hung in a variety of configurations, uses images, bold graphic treatment, maps, and contemporary examples to introduce viewers to the richness of Jewish languages. It provides an overview of how Jewish languages developed, offers a closer look at six Jewish languages (Judeo-Arabic, Jewish Malayalam, Juhuri, Yiddish, Ladino and Jewish English), shares multilingual resources for Jewish holidays, and concludes with examples of preservation efforts and vibrant contemporary language use. Throughout the exhibit, QR codes offer opportunities to listen to spoken language, hear music, and learn from native speakers and language activists.

Specs: 

• 31 Printable Panels, designed for modular use and adaptable to a variety of spaces
• Panel size: approximately 50x60 cm/ 20x24 in
• Free of charge ​​(printing and mounting costs covered by venue)

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