The contemporary judeo-spanish, between decadence and revitalization. Analysis of contexts, linguistic attitudes and initiatives

Abstract

It has been warned since the mid-twentieth century about the crisis experienced by the Judeo-Spanish modality at present, which according to some will lead to its imminent disappearance in no more than one or two generations. However, since several years ago initiatives of various kinds are being undertaken that can slow down, if not stop, the process of decadence of the Sephardi. In this contribution, attention is first given to the complex situation that has led, above all since the end of the 19th century, to the decline of Judeo-Spanish as a spoken language. In order to understand the paradoxical current situation, the vital context and the linguistic attitudes resulting from some specific speakers, contexts and attitudes that are largely opposed are discussed, explaining on the one hand the abandonment of this modality and on the other the renewed interest in its transmission that this linguistic modality has given rise in recent times among new generations. This contributes an innovative diastratic vision practically unprecedented until now in the research on the Sephardic. Finally, we focus on the reactions that have taken place in the face of this decadent scenario and on the initiatives of all kinds taken in favor of its preservation and even its revitalization.