Language:
English
Year of publication:
2020
Titel der Quelle:
In Geveb; a Journal of Yiddish Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
(2020)
Keywords:
Cahan, Abraham, Criticism and interpretation
;
Forverts (New York, N.Y.)
;
Jews Languages
;
History
;
Language and culture History
;
Jews Education
;
Yiddish newspapers History
Abstract:
The article focuses on the paradox of the negative attitude articulated by a Yiddish newspaper toward using Yiddish as the educational medium of instruction in American Jewish schools. Abraham Cahan, the editor-in-chief, and many, if not the majority, of the staff writers (all of them socialists of various shadings) contended that Yiddish was detrimental to American children’s educational achievements. Such attitude stemmed from their opposition to Yiddishism, which they considered as a form of nationalism and a hindrance to Americanization. In addition, they disapproved of what they saw as an unjustifiably reformed language, used by “Yiddishist” teachers. Following vociferous protests among its readers, including functionaries and activists of Jewish organizations, the Forverts was forced to revamp its stand on Yiddish education.
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