Jewish Languages: A Cultural Dialogue, an exhibition about Jewish linguistic diversity
Developed by the HUC Jewish Language Project, in partnership with ANU: Museum of the Jewish People.
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 holiday graphics, 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
Opportunities to curate collection objects alongside exhibit panels
Panel size: 50x60 cm/ 20x24 in
Free of charge (venue covers printing and installation costs)
Additional assets:
Curators’ talks and various public program offerings from the Jewish Language Project
Companion educational resource Beyond the Family Tree: Jewish History and Diversity Through Family Names and Languages, a nine-lesson unit (designed to be mixed and matched based on needs of the venue) designed for grades 4 and up.