Kalimian dialect of Yazd or Jadi language of Yazd

The Jeudo-Yazdi Dialect

Proof of Historical Jewish Presence

Judeo-Yazdis speak both in Persian — the official language of the country — and their own unique dialect. Similar to the Isfahani Jews' dialect, the Judeo-Yazdi dialect incorporates some middle-Persian words. The presence of ancient Iranian language roots in the Judeo-Yazdi dialect highlights the long history of Jews in Iran. Based on its historical and dialectal characteristics, the Yazdi dialect linguistically belongs to Northwestern Iranian languages.

Root of the Dialect

In addition to their unique dialect, Judeo-Yazdis also speak the dialect of Muslim Yazdis and are familiar with the Hebrew script. They recite religious texts and prayers (Tefila), including daily and special prayers, in Hebrew. The existence of this exclusive dialect in the Jewish community of Yazd is due to historical and geographical reasons and is unrelated to the Hebrew language. This local dialect, known as "Judeo" or "Latorai" (non-Torah), is part of a broader set of exclusive Jewish dialects across Iran, originally developed for security and privacy of their dialogues from strangers.

Scientific Categorization

Scientifically, the Judeo-Yazdi, Kermani, Zoroastrian dialects of Yazd and Kerman, the Naein, Anarkaki, and Ardestani dialect are classified together within the Central Iranian dialects. The Zefrehi dialect, spoken in the village of Zefreh near Isfahan, is closely related to the Jewish dialects of Isfahan and Yazd, as well as the Zoroastrian dialects of Yazd.

Samples of the Jeudo-Yazdi Dialect

Here are some everyday words used in the Judeo-Yazdi dialect:

Source

The book, “Bar Baal-e Kherad” (i.e. On the Wings of Wisdom), a research by Goel Cohen