The Language of Thieves

In this compelling narrative, Martin Puchner explores the unique hybrid language of Rotwelsch, a coded tongue developed centuries ago in middle Europe among those seeking refuge from persecution. Rooted in a blend of Yiddish, Hebrew, German, Romani, and other European languages, Rotwelsch offered a means of communication for vagabonds, travelers, and those in trouble, all while unsettling the powers of its time, especially the Nazis. Puchner reflects on his family's complex legacy, revealing his grandfather's fervent anti-Rotwelsch stance, while melding personal memoir with a broader examination of language as a tool for survival and connection amidst adversity.