Benjamin Hary, Emory University

In this colloquium, professor Hary reviews the history of the Judeo-Arabic religiolect and analyze its structure. He then discusses the language continuum employed by users of Judeo-Arabic and trace its diachronic evolution. The presentation also tackles some terminological issues, especially with respect to the denotation of Arabic-speaking Jews. Finally, Hary addresses the state of Judeo-Arabic today as it is an endangered religiolect, perhaps on the verge of extinction.