While Yiddish was once spoken by millions of Jews around the world, its use has declined significantly in the 20th century due to:
* The Holocaust: The systematic persecution of Jews during World War II resulted in the deaths of millions of Yiddish speakers.
* Assimilation: Many Jews integrated into mainstream societies, often adopting the language of their host countries.
* Secularization: Increasing secularization within Jewish communities led to a decline in the use of Yiddish, which was traditionally associated with religious practice.
Today, Yiddish is primarily spoken by:
* Older generations of Jews: Particularly those who grew up in Eastern Europe or who were raised in Yiddish-speaking households.
* Haredi Jews: Ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities often maintain Yiddish as their primary language.
* Jewish communities in Israel: Though Hebrew is the official language of Israel, some communities, particularly those of Haredi Jews, continue to speak Yiddish.
* People studying or interested in Jewish culture and history: Yiddish is increasingly being studied and revived as a way to connect with Jewish heritage and traditions.
While the number of Yiddish speakers has decreased significantly, it remains an important part of Jewish cultural identity and is experiencing a revival in some communities.