Baghdadi Judeo-Arabic

Teacher: Dr Assaf Bar Moshe, Freie Universität Berlin

Class Levels: Beginners, Intermediate/Advanced & Conversational

Class Schedule 2026-27: Beginners class Tuesdays from 14:00-15:00 UK Time; Intermediate/Advanced class Wednesdays from 14:00-15:00 UK Time; Conversational class Wednesdays from 14:00-15:00 UK Time (you can check time-zone comparisons on sites such as this one)

Class Length: Beginners class 3-term class (Michaelmas Term 2026-Trinity Term 2027); Intermediate/Advanced class 2-term class (Hilary Term 2026-Trinity Term 2027); Conversational class 1-term class (Michaelmas Term 2026) (Oxford dates of term are available on the University website)

Class Description: The Jewish Arabic dialect of Baghdad was the native tongue of one of the oldest and biggest communities of the Jewish diaspora. After a short introduction to the historical and linguistic setting of the dialect, we will dive into its sounds, vocabulary and grammar.

Focusing on speaking and listening, at the end of the Beginners level you will be able to conduct and understand basic conversations.

In the Intermediate/Advanced class, we will expand the inventory of our vocabulary and our knowledge of the grammar. Each class will be dedicated to a specific topic around which the discussions will revolve. Through discussion, new relevant words will be introduced to enrich the students’ vocabulary.

The Conversational Class is the natural continuation of the Advanced Class. Building on the vocabulary and grammar acquired in previous levels, this course focuses on developing fluency through discussion. Each class is centered on a specific topic, allowing students to practice speaking in a natural setting while expanding their vocabulary with new words and expressions introduced throughout the conversation.