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5 - The Ecology of Language Evolution

A Comparative View of Jewish Languages and Creoles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 December 2025

Salikoko S. Mufwene
Affiliation:
University of Chicago
Enoch O. Aboh
Affiliation:
University of Amsterdam
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Summary

In recent decades, scholars have examined the genesis of Jewish language varieties, particularly Yiddish, as well as Modern Hebrew, drawing intriguing parallels with creole formation processes. This chapter delves into the ecological aspects of language contact, comparing the sociohistorical and linguistic contexts of Jewish language emergence with Caribbean plantation creoles. Particular emphasis is placed on Judeo-Spanish (Ladino), tracing its linguistic trajectory following the traumatic expulsion of Sephardic Jews from Spain in 1492. By applying the “Founder Principle,” the research investigates the linguistic repertoires of founding populations, examining their social stratification, literacy capabilities, familial structures, and intricate social networks.

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Uniformitarianism in Language Speciation
From Creolistics to Genetic Linguistics
, pp. 199 - 236
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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