Language:
English
Year of publication:
2006
Titel der Quelle:
Speculum; a Journal of Medieval Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
81,2 (2006) 398-426
Keywords:
Jews History Middle Ages, 500-1500
;
Hebrew literature, Medieval History and criticism
Abstract:
Challenges the approach to the centrality of (Jewish) lineage in understanding Spanish history after the mass conversions of 1391. Emphasizes the role of language, of "Jew" and "Judaism" as terms used by threatened Christians to assert their own positions and privileges. Analyzing the anthology of Castilian poetry "Cancionero de Baena", concludes that the insulting charge of "Jewishness" against many of the poets was less a matter of Converso descent than of language. It derived from early Christian philosophy that privileged "spirit" over "flesh" in its distinction between Christian and Jewish approaches to religion, and from Christian attitudes toward poetry that derived from this view of language. Stresses that the Spanish use of the term "Jewish" did not relate to actual living Jews or their descendants. Subsequently, negative political connotations were attached to "Judaizing". At this time "purity" of lineage began to be stressed. Distinguising between the linguistic and the genealogical significance of the terms "Jews" and "Judaism" can help prevent historical conclusions being drawn on the basis of supposed Converso lineage of many Spaniards.
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