Ladino in Sarajevo: Current Perspectives

At the onset of the 20th century, the total population of Sarajevo was 51,919. Of that number, 4,985 were Sephardic Jews and 1,412 were other Jews (1910 census). The 100 years that followed brought tumultuous changes to the region, including three wars, five states, economic ups and downs and major economic shifts. From a language spoken by Sephardic Jews as well as numerous non-Jewish Sarajevans, Ladino has declined to a barely evident statistical presence. Taking into account earlier studies about Ladino in BiH, this paper will look into the current situation. Efforts are being made to introduce it as an academic subject at the University of Sarajevo, so a survey among young Sarajevans can offer an insight into perceptions, attitudes and general awareness of the past – and a view towards the future. At the same time, a detailed analysis of asynchronous communication (internet comments etc.) offers views from different sample groups. These two sources will serve as the basis for examining the current attitudes towards Ladino and its possible future in Sarajevo. This paper will look beyond the formal aspects of the status of a minority language (European Charter on Regional and Minority Languages, signed by BiH) or the Jewish community itself, and focus on the current situation, as shaped by various political developments and ideologies of the 21st century.

Key words: Ladino, Sarajevo, decline, perceptions, perspectives.