With vibrant Sephardic communities around the United States and a recent resurgence of interest related to Judeo-Spanish, the American Ladino League recognizes that we stand at a critical moment in the history of this language. Expanding upon nationwide efforts to document, preserve, and revitalize Ladino, the American Ladino League plans to provide accessible, consultatory, collaborative, and financial support for innovative approaches to teaching Judeo-Spanish across generations and on multiple platforms. This public-facing organization engages with all those interested in Judeo-Spanish so as to honor the Sephardic legacy of the past as well as those who continue to speak or study the language now and in the future.
The coronavirus pandemic has created a global community of online learners with a thirst for knowledge, while also demonstrating that teachers can successfully adapt their methods and materials for the era of virtual learning. The American Ladino League is positioned to provide customized support for the needs of today’s Ladino students and instructors, whether they are meeting in person or online. Community-building activities that create a sense of connection with other Ladino speakers are essential for the continuation of the language; by hosting opportunities for students at different levels to interact, converse, and learn about Ladino culture together in real time, the American Ladino League aims to sustain the momentum of the recent “boom” in Ladino studies. We believe that founding a national organization with this focused role will effectively complement the array of Sephardic cultural and religious activities currently available in the United States.
To learn more about the American Ladino League, go to americanladinoleague.org
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