Yiddish is a High German-derived language that incorporates elements from Hebrew, Aramaic, and various Slavic languages. It emerged in the 9th century among Ashkenazi Jews in Central and Eastern Europe. Yiddish is written in the Hebrew alphabet and has a rich literary tradition, including poetry, theater, and folklore. Today, Yiddish is spoken by some Jewish communities worldwide, particularly among Hasidic and Haredi Jews. While its use has declined since the Holocaust, efforts are being made to preserve and revitalize the language through education and cultural initiatives.