Switzerland Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Modern Yodeling Tradition

In a bid to preserve and promote its unique cultural heritage, Switzerland is seeking recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the art of yodeling. The Swiss government aims to have this vocal tradition, which has evolved from its alpine origins into a modern musical expression, included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. A decision is expected by the end of December 2023.

Yodeling, characterized by its unique vocal techniques and rapid changes in pitch, has gained popularity beyond its historical roots. Once primarily associated with male herders in the Swiss Alps, the practice has transformed into a vibrant form of singing embraced by diverse audiences. Over the last century, yodeling clubs have emerged across Switzerland, enriching the tradition and expanding its influence in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and folk.

According to Nadja Räss, a professor at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), yodeling embodies a distinctive 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, highlighting the significance of this vocal art form.

The roots of yodeling can be traced back to wordless vowel sounds, known as “natural yodeling,” which were initially used as a means of communication across valleys. Today, yodeling has evolved to include lyrical verses and refrains, making it a more structured musical form. The Swiss government estimates that approximately 12,000 yodelers participate in around 780 groups affiliated with the Swiss Yodeling Association.

The vocal styles of yodeling vary significantly within Switzerland. For instance, yodeling from the northern region near Appenzell tends to be more melancholic and slower, while the central regions produce a more intense and rapid sound. As yodeling grows in popularity, it has also become a more inclusive activity, attracting greater participation from women in a country that only granted women the right to vote in the 1980s.

Julien Vuilleumier, a scientific adviser for the Federal Office of Culture, noted the challenges in pinpointing the exact origins of yodeling, which plays a significant role in shaping the imagery of the Swiss Alps. “Some say it’s a means of communication between valleys, using these distinctive sounds that can carry a long way. Others believe it’s a form of singing,” he explained. “What we know is that yodeling has always been transformed and updated.”

UNESCO’s committee for Intangible Heritage, which is set to convene in New Delhi in mid-December, will review this nomination alongside 68 other cultural practices from around the world. Other contenders this year include Thanakha face powder from Myanmar, Ghanaian highlife music, and the El Joropo music and dance tradition from Venezuela.

The intangible heritage list serves to raise awareness about cultural practices that have been passed down through generations, distinct from the UNESCO World Heritage List, which protects significant physical sites. Last year, Japan’s traditional sake was among the honorees, underscoring the diversity of cultural expressions celebrated by UNESCO.

For yodeling to be included on the UNESCO list, candidates must outline future prospects for their cultural traditions. In support of this initiative, Räss and her colleagues have developed projects aimed at introducing yodeling to younger generations. She noted that 20 Swiss primary school teachers are currently teaching yodeling techniques in their classrooms. “One of my life goals is that when I die, every school child in Switzerland will have been in contact with yodeling during their primary school years,” she expressed passionately.

As Switzerland awaits UNESCO’s decision, the future of yodeling looks promising, with a commitment to preserving this cherished tradition while adapting it for modern audiences.