Very happy to have finished my first term (Michelmas) of my Introductory #Ladino (#JudeoSpanish) class from the Oxford School of Rare Jewish languages (part of #Oxford Centre for Hebrew & #Jewish Studies).

It has been a harder class than I expected it to be, but a good one. I've come away with an even deeper understanding of how fast languages evolve (so much of Ladino reflects how #Spanish was spoken/written 500 years ago), but also an appreciation for the power of Jewish community to exist in very different diasporic contexts.

For anyone out there who is thinking about taking one of these classes (they offer them not only in Ladino, but in several other rare Jewish languages), they are currently admitting folks into the program for the next term (with the application deadline of Dec. 4 (12 pm UK time, 6 am Central time). More info can be found on the link below:

https://www.ochjs.ac.uk/language-classes/oxford-school-of-rare-jewish-languages/

#Mazeldon #Jewdiverse #Languages #JewishLanguages

#JewishLanguages #Mazeldon #Jewdiverse

From the Jewish Languages Project (https://www.facebook.com/jewishlanguages)

#Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) language fact for the day: "Some French political and cultural elements are present in Judeao-Spanish. ir al Bismark ('to go to the Bismark') was a phrase used in some Judeao-Spanish communities in the late 20th century to mean "to go to the restroom", referring to the German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck (an unpopular figure in France), as a euphemism for toilet."

From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaeo-Spanish

#JewishLanguages #Mazeldon #Jewdiverse #SpanishLanguage #Español

Just got some great news! I got accepted into the Introductory Ladino class of the Oxford School of Rare Jewish Languages!

Bad news --- the class is at 12:45 pm UK time which will be 6:45 am in Oklahoma!

Oh well, it will be worth it. I'm very excited to learn more about #Ladino, a Spanish dialect spoken by Jews in many parts of the world, thanks to the Spanish expulsions of Jews many centuries ago.

https://www.ochjs.ac.uk/language-classes/oxford-school-of-rare-jewish-languages/ladino/

#JewishLanguages #Mazeldon #Jewdiverse #JewishEducation #Oxford

Question for the #Mazeldon / #Jewdiverse community:

What resources for frugal and DIY adult Jewish learning should we be sharing on our weekly Jewish Almanac podcast?

These resources could include:

1. #Podcasts on #Jewish history, culture, religion, #JewishLanguages, etc.
2. Books, but especially #AudioBooks
3. Low or No-cost online classes - either formal or informal
4. Websites, as well as guides and resources on how to make use of resources like Sefaria, etc.

Jewishalmanac.com/podcast.htm