Louisa from Malmö does not have a Jewish background herself, but together with her group "Louisa Lyne & di Yiddishe Kapelye" makes music in the two ancient languages.
Ladino and Yiddish are considered endangered languages by UNESCO.
The period 2022-2032 has been declared by the UN as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
This is to draw attention to the critical situation of many indigenous languages around the world.
Ladino and Yiddish education in London
Louisa says that she started singing in Yiddish even though she did not understand a word.
She just thought the German-sounding language was so beautiful.
Then she came in contact with Ladino, another Jewish language that is closely related to Spanish.
This led to studies, both on music and the two languages, at the Jewish Music Institute in London.
- I think it is important to continue singing, so that people can continue to hear these fantastic languages and be able to meet the culture, says Louisa Lyne.
Surprised Israelis
She says that Israelis were surprised when they saw a Swedish woman singing in old Jewish languages.
- I have been to Israel several times and played.
They looked at me and just asked "But why?"
She laughs at the memory and continues:
- They think it sounds like grandma and grandpa's old language.
See when Louisa Lyne wins a competition in Mexico City:
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Malmö singer Louisa Lyne when she took home the victory in Yiddish Idol.
Photo: Jack Szclar