Die jenische Sprache

This volume offers a detailed exploration of the Jenisch language, a hidden vernacular once used by itinerant traders, entertainers, and other marginal groups. Drawing on the extensive fieldwork of a lifelong insider, it presents a rich collection of words—some obsolete, others borrowed from Romani—organized in clear sections that trace their evolution and cultural context. Readers will find a practical German‑Jenisch dictionary, an alphabetical list of core roots, and insightful commentary on how these secretive expressions have been reshaped over time.

Beyond the lexical material, the book includes authentic language samples and lively “Schnadahüpfel,” short verses that reveal the rhythm and humor of everyday speech. The scholarly introduction explains why such clandestine tongues are fading and why preserving them matters to linguists and cultural historians alike. Altogether, it serves both as a valuable reference and a vivid portrait of a disappearing linguistic heritage.