The proposed book offers a comprehensive introduction to the study of Yiddish from the 10th century and up to date. It will include basic discussions on linguistic developments (and especially sociolinguitic), literary genres, oral performances, use of Yiddish in non-fiction, journalism and scholarship. Discussion will be diachronically and synchronically arranged. This is the first book to offer such an introduction which covers the history of Yiddish and its forms of manifestations.