Discover and enjoy the Judeo-Moroccan Language
How did a millennium of Jewish life in North Africa find its voice in Arabic? This course offers a rare window into Judeo-Moroccan Arabic, the unique linguistic tradition of the Maghrebi diaspora. We begin by tracing the history of Judeo-Arabic as a global Jewish language before diving into the specific dialects of Morocco. You will learn to navigate Arabic written in the Hebrew alphabet, gaining hands-on exposure through everyday expressions, simple dialogues, and authentic short texts. From basic grammatical structures to core vocabulary, this course builds a linguistic foundation while exploring the rich cultural world of North African Jewry.
Who this is for
- Students of Jewish languages and linguistics interested in the “hidden” dialects of the diaspora.
- Anyone fascinated by North African Jewish culture (Maghreb) and Sephardic history.
- Learners who can read and write the Hebrew alphabet and want to apply that skill to a new language.
What you’ll leave with
- Practical skills in reading and transliterating Judeo-Moroccan Arabic texts.
- A working knowledge of basic grammar and the characteristic “everyday” vocabulary of the Mellahs of Morocco.
- A deeper understanding of the Judeo-Arabic linguistic world and the ability to recognize its unique phonology and writing conventions.
No prior knowledge of Arabic is required.
6 Sundays: 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 & 5/10, 11am–12:30pm Pacific
