Switzerland Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Yodeling Tradition

Switzerland is advocating for the inclusion of its yodeling tradition on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, a decision expected by December 15, 2023. The Swiss government aims to secure recognition from the U.N. cultural agency, headquartered in Paris, highlighting yodeling’s evolution from a traditional Alpine communication method to a contemporary musical form.

Yodeling has deep roots in Swiss culture, often associated with the picturesque Alps. Modern interpretations of this art form have expanded its appeal beyond the falsetto calls of herders to include diverse musical styles. Over the past century, yodeling clubs have emerged throughout Switzerland, fostering a new generation of enthusiasts who incorporate yodeling into various genres, including classical, jazz, and folk music. Notably, American country singers began blending yodeling into their songs during the late 1920s and 1930s.

According to Nadja Räss, a professor at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), yodeling represents a unique aspect of Swiss identity. “In Switzerland, we have four official languages, but I think we really have five languages. We have a fifth: the yodel,” she stated. This suggests that yodeling is not just a musical style but a significant cultural expression that resonates deeply within Swiss society.

The Swiss government reports that approximately 12,000 yodelers participate through around 780 groups organized under the Swiss Yodeling Association. Within Switzerland, yodeling styles vary by region. For instance, yodeling near Appenzell is characterized as more melancholic and slower, while central regions produce sounds that are more intense and quicker.

As the tradition evolves, yodeling is increasingly attracting female participants, reflecting broader societal changes in Switzerland, including the granting of voting rights to women in the 1980s. Julien Vuilleumier, a scientific advisor for the Federal Office of Culture, emphasized the complexity of yodeling’s origins and its enduring evolution. “Some say it’s a means of communication between valleys, while others view it as a form of singing. What we know is that yodeling has always been transformed and updated,” he explained.

The forthcoming UNESCO decision will evaluate yodeling alongside other cultural traditions vying for recognition. This year, there are a total of 68 nominations, which also include the use of Thanakha face powder in Myanmar, Ghanaian highlife music, and the fermented beverage Maksym from Kyrgyzstan.

The UNESCO Intangible Heritage List aims to elevate public awareness of cultural expressions that are handed down through generations. Unlike the UNESCO World Heritage List, which focuses on protecting physical sites of significance, the intangible heritage list highlights arts, craftsmanship, and traditional knowledge.

Räss noted that candidates must outline future prospects for their cultural traditions. “We have developed projects to ensure the future of yodeling, including introducing it in primary schools,” she stated. Currently, around 20 Swiss school teachers trained in yodeling are incorporating it into their classrooms. “One of my life goals is to ensure that every child in Switzerland experiences yodeling during their primary school years,” she added.

As the December decision approaches, Switzerland’s hope for yodeling to receive UNESCO recognition reflects a broader commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage in an ever-changing world.