Serbo-Croatian as a Language of Sephardic Literature: The Cases of Isak Samokovlija and Jacques Confino

Abstract The early twentieth century saw a rise in Jewish writers what is traditionally considered non-Jewish languages the Balkans like rest of Europe. In light this phenomenon’s significance, we pose question why and how Serbo-Croatian became language Sephardic literature. article questions accepted narrative ‘linguistic acculturation’ Jews unearths complex cultural, but also political background phenomenon using examples two prolific, recognized, celebrated background, Isak Samokovlija Jacques Confino. Through historicization multilingualism Serbia Bosnia Herzegovina from 1890s to 1920s, it argues that adoption was motivated equally, if not dominantly, by aims region rather than pressures emancipation only. Confino’s biographies cultural choices, therefore, illuminate an unlikely history.