Uniting Through Lullabies: Berlin's Multi-Lingual Lullaby Movement
Gathering Lullabies across 24 Languages – A Berlin-based Endeavor - Global Initiative Gathers Bedtime Songs in 24 Diverse Languages, Berlin-Based
Welcome to the vibrant heart of Berlin, where locals and visitors alike are coming together in a unique and heartwarming project — a series of lullaby sessions that have garnered support since its inception earlier this year. As one enthusiast from the Berlin Music Council put it, "It's a stunning sight to see numerous individuals singing to one another, sparking conversations, encouraging each other. It's truly magical."
So far, lullabies in over 24 languages have been collected as part of this initiative, with a recent addition at the Carnival of Cultures. Some of the languages featured include Afrikaans, Arabic, English, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Turkish. To date, a remarkable 55 people have participated, with the demand for contribution notably high, particularly from those who wish to share a lullaby in German. Interestingly, only four songs have been duplicated, signifying the diverse and unique nature of these lullabies.
This collaborative initiative, named "Berlin Sleeps," is planned to continue until the year's end, with a lullaby session scheduled for June 28th during the Long Night of Sciences. In addition, an online self-recording tool is now available for those who prefer to contribute from the comfort of their homes.
The roots of this project can be traced back to the Year of the Voice, which is set to be Berlin's nationwide instrument of the year 2025. The choir of voices is being showcased through concerts and workshops in the city.
The main objective of "Berlin Sleeps" is to gather, archive, and make available to the public the rich collection of lullabies found in the Ethnological Museum. On top of that, digital access to songs is expected to be provided for optimal convenience. A series of workshops will be a part of this initiative to provide an immersive and educational experience.
For enthusiasts looking to learn more about lullaby archiving and engagement, there are several best practices and trends found in related initiatives that can offer valuable insights, such as the way the ELAR Archive emphasizes co-creation with source communities, grouping songs by theme for easy searching, and community-based performances.
Just imagine, with continued contributions from the passionate individuals who make up this city, we can build a comprehensive, multilingual lullaby archive that will stand as a testament to the resilient and diverse voices of Berlin. And who knows, perhaps this project will serve as a source of inspiration for similar initiatives in other cities around the world.
Berlin
- Vibrant City
- Cultural Melting Pot
- Year of the Voice 2025
Lullabies
- Calming Melodies
- Cultural Expressions
- Global Connections
- Diverse Languages
Archiving & Access
- Digital Platforms
- Collaborative Creation
- Cultural Context
- Educational Resources
- Community Involvement
ENRICHMENT INSIGHTS:
The practice of collecting, archiving, and making accessible lullabies and cultural songs is not exclusive to the Berlin project. Initiatives like the ELAR Archive, the Hadza language archive, OLEA, and the Concord Conservatory of Music’s Listening Project all shine as examples of best practices. These projects emphasize collaboration with native speakers, digital archiving, grouping songs by language and region, educational outreach, and interactive features to constantly expand the collection over time. The implementation of such strategies will undoubtedly contribute to the success and longevity of the Berlin lullaby project.
- This engaging project, "Berlin Sleeps," rooted in the heart of the vibrant city, is promoting community involvement through vocational training in vocal practice, as part of their preparations for the Year of the Voice 2025.
- The Lullaby Movement in Berlin is bridging lifestyles and entertainment, offering vocational training in music and cultural expression, while simultaneously fostering global connections through a diverse collection of lullabies in over 24 languages.
