Welcome to Judeo-Roman language's article, where we will explore in detail all the aspects related to this topic that is so relevant today. Throughout this article, we will analyze different points of view, recent research, statistical data and expert testimonies that will help us better understand the importance of Judeo-Roman language in our lives. From its origins to its impact on today's society, we will comprehensively examine all dimensions of Judeo-Roman language to offer our readers a complete and detailed view of this topic. Regardless of your level of prior knowledge about Judeo-Roman language, this article is designed to capture your interest and enrich your understanding of this relevant topic.
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Judeo-Roman | |
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Giudeo-Romanesco (Italian) ג'ודיו רומן (Hebrew) | |
Native to | Italy, Israel |
Ethnicity | Italian Jews |
Native speakers | 200 in Italy 250 in total (2022) |
Language codes | |
ISO 639-3 | – |
Judeo-Roman (Italian: Giudaico-Romanesco) or Italkit is the only still living dialect of the Judeo-Italian languages, historically used by the Jews living in Rome. It is spoken by 250 people, most of whom live in Italy. The language is on the decline and most of its remaining speakers are elderly. There are efforts to preserve the language and keep it from extinction.
Judeo-Roman, like other Jewish languages, emerged due to the Jews of Rome being isolated in the Rome Ghetto, on order of the Pope. The language declined as Jews were emancipated and Roman Jews switched to the Roman dialect of Italian.
Younger Italian Jews are attempting to preserve the language.
Judeo-Roman has at least 360 Hebrew words and phrases in it. Many of these were used to conceal what the users were saying from Christians. examples include:
Judeo-Roman | Root Hebrew Word | English |
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Kadosc Baruchù | Kadosh Baruch Hu | Holy blessed be he |
Caròvve | Karov | Close relative |
Mangkòdde | Ma’ot | Money |
Ngesa’vve | ‘Esav | Christian/Christians |
Judeo-Italian has several letter shifts that differentiate it from standard Italian these include:
/e/ becoming /i/ (e.g. detto to ditto)
/l/ becoming /r/ (e.g. qualcuno to quarcuno)
It also contains several vowel shifts and other changes:
Loss of initial vowels (e.g. oppure to pure)
Loss of final consonants (e.g. con to co')
Contractions (e.g. dir ti to ditte)
Archaisms (e.g. di te to d'oo ti)
A theater group called Chaimme 'a sore 'o sediaro e 'a moje (Chaim, the sister, the chairmaker and the wife) makes plays in Judeo-Roman.
There is a collection of poems written by Crescenzo del Monte from 1908 and republished in 2007 in Judeo Roman. These works include The sonnets of Crescenzo del Monte.
Several Youtube videos have been posted in Judeo-Roman.
Judeo-Roman | English |
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Jorno | Day |
Capeto | Understood |
Ar | At the |
Letigate | Fight |
Gniente | Nothing |
Quarcuno | Someone |
Quarche | Some |
Aremane | To remain |
Kadosc Baruchù | Holy blessed be he |