Switzerland Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Yodeling Tradition

Switzerland is officially seeking recognition for the art of yodeling from UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency based in Paris. The Swiss government has submitted a request for yodeling to be included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, with a decision anticipated by the end of December 2023. This initiative aims to preserve and promote a tradition that has evolved from its rustic origins into a vibrant part of contemporary music.

Yodeling, characterized by its unique vocal techniques and sounds, has become more than just the echoing calls of herders in the Alps. Modern proponents of yodeling emphasize its versatility and appeal, as it has found its way into various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and folk. Over the past century, yodeling clubs have emerged throughout Switzerland, broadening the tradition’s reach and fostering a new generation of performers.

Nadja Räss, a professor at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), highlighted the significance of yodeling within Swiss culture. “In Switzerland, we have four official languages, but I think we have a fifth: the yodel,” she stated. While yodeling is also present in Austria, Germany, and Italy, Swiss yodeling is distinct in its vocal techniques and styles, including two primary forms—one that focuses on high-pitched sounds and another that draws from deeper, chest-based sounds.

The Swiss government reports that approximately 12,000 yodelers are active in the country, organized into around 780 groups under the Swiss Yodeling Association. The diversity in yodeling styles varies by region; for instance, the northern region near Appenzell is known for its more melancholic and slower renditions, while the central regions produce shorter, more intense performances.

Historically, yodeling has been a predominantly male activity. However, this trend is changing, with increasing participation from women in a nation that granted universal suffrage to women only in the 1980s. As the tradition continues to evolve, it fosters a more inclusive environment for all performers.

Julien Vuilleumier, a scientific adviser for the Federal Office of Culture and a key figure in the Swiss request to UNESCO, noted the challenges in tracing the origins of yodeling. He explained, “Some say it’s a means of communication between valleys, using these very distinctive sounds that can carry a long way. Others believe it’s a form of singing. What we know is that yodeling has always been transformed and updated.”

The classification by UNESCO aims to enhance public awareness of cultural practices that are passed down through generations. Among the 68 nominations submitted this year are various cultural traditions, including Thanakha face powder from Myanmar and El Joropo music and dance from Venezuela. The intangible heritage list differs from the UNESCO World Heritage List, which protects significant physical sites.

Last year, Japan’s sake was recognized as part of the intangible heritage list, showcasing the global nature of this initiative. The inclusion of yodeling could similarly bring attention to Swiss culture and its contributions to the global musical landscape.

Räss emphasized the importance of future prospects for cultural traditions in the application process. She shared that projects are underway to integrate yodeling into primary school curricula, stating, “One of my life goals is that every school child in Switzerland will be in contact with yodeling during their primary school time.” With 20 Swiss school teachers already teaching yodeling to their classes, the initiative aims to secure the future of this unique cultural expression.

As the mid-December decision approaches, Switzerland’s efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for yodeling reflect a commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich cultural heritage, ensuring that this vibrant tradition continues to resonate for generations to come.