Behind the Manuscript: Jeshua Josef Mordkowicz and his unique South-Western Karaim translation of the Latter Prophets

Abstract

The present paper delves into the exclusive South-Western Karaim translation of the Latter Prophets (ADub.III.83), a manuscript discovered in recent years in Poland. Copied by Jeshua Josef Mordkowicz (1802–1884) most probably in the latter half of the 19th century in Halych, this manuscript offers valuable insights into the phonological characteristics specific to Modern South-Western Karaim, distinguishing it from Mordkowicz’s earlier works. The paper includes details about the copyist’s background, a general overview of the manuscript including some of its distinctive phonological features, and provides a short excerpt of the text presented in transcription along with its English translation. The relevant parts of the facsimile are attached at the end of the article.