Yiddish was once spoken by Jews in an area in Eastern Europe, spreading from Alsace to the Urals. In the 20th century, mostly but not only due to the Holocaust, it neared extinction, and is today on UNESCO’s list of definitely endangered languages: it is also one of Sweden’s national minority languages. Yiddish language and culture were important parts of European folk culture, influencing and being influenced by local languages and cultures, thus contributing to the works of great writers and musicians and broadening European culture.
Lund University is the only university in Scandinavia that offers teaching and conducts research in Yiddish, and during the autumn term of 2024, several exciting courses in the Yiddish language and culture are offered. These include, but are not limited to:
- Yiddish: Beginner’s Course I – introductory language course focused on all four communicative skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), and is the first of our two courses at beginner level. It is based on a study of simple dialogues and texts in Yiddish with elementary vocabulary and basic grammatical structures. Particular emphasis is placed on communicative skills. You get to start learning to speak and write the language, practice listening comprehension and do translation exercises between Yiddish and Swedish/English. You will also be introduced to Yiddish literature and culture.
- On campus in Lund.
- No prior knowledge is assumed.
- Swedish/English
- Course code: YIDD10, Click here to get to the course page
- Jewish Cultural Responses to the Holocaust – The course provides an overview of the fundamental features of the Jewish remembrance of the Holocaust with a main focus on the cultural expressions of this remembrance in Europe (Western Europe, Central Europe and the former Soviet Union), the USA and Israel. How do younger generations, who did not experience the Holocaust first-hand but now live with the cultural trauma, remember it?
- On campus in Lund.
- Taught in English, though students with knowledge of Hebrew, Yiddish, German, and other relevant languages will also be encouraged to read in the original.
- Course code: YIDC03, Click here to get to the course page
- Modern Jewish Culture and the Narrative Art of Sholem Aleichem – In this course you will explore Sholem Aleichem’s narrative art in relation to the creation of a modern Jewish culture in Russia and the United States during the period 1883-1914. In summary, you will learn in what respects Sholem Aleichem’s unique art of storytelling is the main contribution to the creation of a modern, Jewish culture.
- Taught online.
- All texts/discussions in English, though students with some knowledge of Yiddish will also be encouraged to read in the original.
- Course code: YIDC01, Click here to get to the course page
Nordic Network for Jewish Studies 