Swiss Yodeling Nominated for UNESCO Heritage Status

The Swiss Tradition of Yodeling

Yodeling, a unique form of singing that has captured the attention of people around the world, has deep roots in Switzerland. Whether it’s heard echoing through the Alps as a mountain cry made by herders in suspenders, featured in Scandinavian folk music, or morphed by Tarzan in his yodel-like call, chances are you’ve encountered this distinctive Swiss tradition in one of its many iterations.

More than just a nostalgic bellow, yodeling is a popular form of singing that has found its way into the international musical lexicon and continues to thrive in its country of origin. According to the Swiss government, at least 12,000 yodelers participate through about 780 groups under the Swiss Yodeling Association.

Now, the Swiss government has put forward yodeling as an officially endorsed candidate for inclusion in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. This classification aims to raise public awareness of arts, craftsmanship, rituals, knowledge, and traditions that are passed down over generations.

Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. However, some, like Nadja Räss, believe that yodeling should be recognized as the fifth language of the country.

“For me, actually, in Switzerland we have four languages but I think really we have five languages. We have a fifth: The yodel,” said Räss, a professor at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), which became the first Swiss university to teach yodeling about seven years ago.

Yodeling in Education

Räss is passionate about bringing yodeling into the future. She mentioned several projects aimed at achieving this goal, including introducing yodeling to primary schools.

“We figured out some projects to bring it to the future. And one of those is that we bring the yodel to the primary school,” she explained. Räss herself grew up yodeling and noted that 20 Swiss school teachers know how to yodel and are trying it with their classes.

“One of my life goals is that when I will die, in Switzerland every school child will be in contact with yodeling during their primary school time,” she said. “I think it’s a very good chance for the future of the yodel to be on that (UNESCO) list.”

The Road to UNESCO

The UN cultural agency, based in the French capital, is expected to deliver a decision by year-end. If yodeling is recognized as part of the intangible cultural heritage, it could significantly boost its visibility and preservation efforts.

This move reflects the growing recognition of yodeling not just as a traditional art form but as a vital part of Switzerland’s cultural identity. With ongoing efforts to integrate yodeling into education and public consciousness, the future of this unique tradition looks promising.