Jovanovic Zeljko

Jovanovic Zeljko is a lecturer at INALCO (Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales) in Paris, affiliated with the Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies. His research focuses on Sephardic literature, Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) language, and minority cultural preservation, with expertise in medieval Iberian history, gender studies, and the Sephardic diaspora. He is a member of the CERMOM research laboratory and serves as Master's referent and Head of International Relations for his department.

• PhD in Spanish/Ladino Literature (2010-2005)
• Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow (2019-2021)
• Rothschild Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow (2017-2019)

His research explores Judeo-Spanish oral traditions, including ballads, proverbs, and folktales, with a focus on their adaptation in Balkan and Ottoman contexts. He analyzes gender dynamics in Sephardic narratives and the role of periodicals like Le Judaïsme séphardi in post-WWII language revitalization. His work bridges comparative literature and translation studies, highlighting cultural hybridity.

Scientific awards include

• Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Rothschild Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship

Jovanovic's recent publications examine 20th-century Sephardic authors from former Yugoslavia, Judeo-Spanish poets of Bosnia, and gender in Sephardic documentary cinema. His teaching includes courses on Judeo-Spanish language and civilization, Sephardic diaspora history, and gender studies in literature.