Credit: University of Washington
University of Washington Professor Devin Naar is taking steps to ensure the survival of Ladino, the ancient language-based historically spoken by Sephardi Jews. With the support of the local community, the professor has digitalized approximately 150,000 pages of Ladino literature. The documents will be featured free online through the Sephardic Studies Digital Collection.
Approximately 3,000 Sephardic Jews immigrated to Seattle, Washington, in the beginning of the 20th century, but today very few speak Ladino. Despite their lack of knowledge of Ladino, Naar told NBC that many of the families held onto their “cultural family heirlooms.”
