Description
Book SynopsisWhen non-Orthodox Jews become frum (religious), they encounter much more than dietary laws and Sabbath prohibitions. They find themselves in the midst of a whole new culture, involving matchmakers, homemade gefilte fish, and Yiddish-influenced grammar. This explains how these newcomers learn Orthodox language and culture through their interactions with community veterans and other newcomers.
Trade Review"Benor's engaging and innovative study of language and identity surprises, delights, and educates.
Becoming Frum is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Jewish language and culture today." -- Mary Bucholtz * department of lingustics, University of California, Santa Barbara *
“
Becoming Frum offers a nuanced visual and sound portrait of Orthodox Jewish life, enabling us to hear the way individuals’ identities evolve.”
-- Samuel Heilman * department of sociology, Queens College, CUNY *
"This volume by Benor is a sociolinguistic study of non-Orthodox Jews becoming frum (religious) by returning to the beliefs and practices of Orthodox Jewish life. Nine well-researched chapters underscore the state of hesitation, decision, and action of returnees.
Becoming Frum encodes dress change, eating habits, social outlook, and an impressive array of 'dos and don'ts' that will identify the newly observant. Very informative is Benor's investigative scrutiny of
frumster speech (religious Yinglish). This is a strong ethnographic study of issues and lessons related to becoming religiously Orthodox observant. Recommended."
* Choice *
"Benor does a superb job of enhancing our understanding of the complex process of cultural change and language socialization that individuals go through as they become observant." * Jewish Link *
Table of ContentsList of Figures
List of Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments
Transcription Conventions
1. Introduction: Orthodox Jews and Language Socialization
2. "Now You Look Like a Lady": Adventures in Enthnographic and Sociolinguistic Fieldwork
3. "He Has
Tzitzis Hanging Out of His Ponytail": Orthodox Cultural Practices and How BTs Adapt Them
4. "This Is Not What to Record": Yiddish, Hebrew, and the English of Orthodox Jews
5. "
Torah or
Toyrah": Language and the Modern Orthodox Black Hat Continuum
6. "Just Keepin' It Real,
Mamish": Why
Ba'alei Teshuva Adopt (or Avoid) Orthodox Language
7. "I Finally Got the Lingo": Progression in Newcomers' Acquisition of Orthodox Language
8. "A
Ba'al Teshuva Freak": Distinguishing Practies of Newly Orthodox Jews
9. Matisyahu and
My Fair Lady: Reflections on Adult Language Socialization
Notes
Bibliography
Index
