Yodeling is recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO
UNESCO has added yodeling to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as an emblematic form of Swiss singing that is deeply rooted in the population.
The Federal Office of Culture writes:
«At its 20th session in New Delhi, India, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed yodeling on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In its decision, UNESCO highlighted the quality of the dossier submitted and the solid participatory process that led to the nomination.
As a characteristic singing technique, yodeling alternates between chest voice and head voice and uses meaningless syllables that are often associated with local dialects. A distinction is made between natural yodeling, which consists of melodies without lyrics, and yodeling songs, which combine verses and yodeled refrains and often deal with nature and everyday experiences. Whether performed solo, in small groups, or in choirs—sometimes accompanied by instruments such as the accordion—yodeling is characterized by its rich sound and its presence at concerts, festivals, and competitions, which are often associated with the wearing of regional costumes.
Yodeling is extremely popular and is passed on within families, clubs, music schools, or simply among singers. Over 12,000 yodellers are members of one of the 711 groups belonging to the Swiss Yodelling Association, but the practice is also cultivated outside clubs and choirs. Contemporary artists also draw inspiration from it, confirming the vitality of a tradition that is constantly evolving.
The application, submitted in March 2024, was coordinated by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) with the involvement of yodeling experts and relevant organizations (see list below). This collaborative process made it possible to identify the challenges that are crucial for passing on yodeling to future generations: promoting young talent, national coordination, training, documentation, and research. To this end, measures were jointly defined, including strengthening cooperation, developing new training and further education opportunities, raising public awareness, and supporting practitioners.»
partner organizations
- Swiss Yodeling Association
- Roothuus Gonten – Center for Appenzell and Toggenburg folk music
- HSLU Music
- Interest Group for Folk Culture in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein
Link to the press release from the Federal Office of Culture
