Sociolinguistics of Judeo‐Spanish

Abstract

In this paper, I address sociolinguistic concerns related to the Judeo‐Spanish language from prior to the expulsion of the Sephardic Jews from Spain (1492) and Portugal (1497) until the present day. After discussing relevant sociolinguistic models pre‐ and post‐expulsion in order to account for variation across Judeo‐Spanish speech communities worldwide, I discuss the current ethnolinguistic vitality of the language as well as the domains of use whereby speakers continue to utilize their heritage language. I then discuss sociolinguistic variation, noting variables that may condition elements of speech, supported by synchronic and diachronic studies related to the language. Given such factors, I examine two major contact situations: that of code‐switching across communities as well as contact with non‐Sephardic (“Modern”) varieties of Spanish. I conclude by offering ways in which students and scholars of the language can advance Judeo‐Spanish sociolinguistics as a field, including a discussion of current research methodologies and other key considerations of the 21st century.