Switzerland Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Yodelling Heritage

Switzerland’s government is pursuing inclusion of the tradition of yodelling on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. A decision regarding this request is anticipated by mid-December 2023, during a committee meeting in New Delhi. The application underscores yodelling’s evolution from its historical roots into a dynamic form of musical expression.

Modern proponents of yodelling emphasize that it has grown beyond the traditional calls of herders in the mountains, often stereotyped by images of men in suspenders singing alongside giant Alphorns. Over the past century, yodelling clubs have emerged throughout Switzerland, broadening its appeal and integrating its unique tones and techniques into diverse musical genres such as classical, jazz, and folk. Notably, US country music artists began incorporating yodelling into their songs in the late 1920s and 1930s, showcasing its international reach.

The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) has taken a significant step by becoming the first Swiss university to offer yodelling courses, beginning around seven years ago. Professor Nadja Rass remarked, “For me, actually, in Switzerland we have four languages but I think really we have five languages. We have a fifth: The yodel.” She highlighted that while yodelling exists in neighbouring countries such as Austria, Germany, and Italy, the Swiss style is unique due to its distinct vocal techniques.

Historically, yodelling began with “natural yodelling,” which involved wordless vowel sounds and melodies devoid of lyrics. In contrast, the contemporary form often includes verses and refrains. The Swiss government reports that around 12,000 yodellers participate in approximately 780 groups affiliated with the Swiss Yodelling Association, indicating a vibrant community dedicated to this musical tradition.

Yodelling techniques differ within Switzerland itself, with northern styles near Appenzell described as “melancholic and slower,” while those from central regions are noted for being “more intense and shorter,” according to Professor Rass. The tradition, once predominantly male, is increasingly attracting female participants, a shift reflective of broader societal changes in Switzerland, which only granted women full voting rights in the 1980s.

Julien Vuilleumier, a scientific adviser for the Federal Office of Culture, leads the Swiss request for recognition. He acknowledged the challenges in tracing yodelling’s origins, suggesting it may have served as a means of communication between valleys or evolved as a form of singing. “What we know is that… yodelling has always been transformed and updated,” he stated.

UNESCO’s classification aims to enhance public awareness of various cultural practices, including arts, craftsmanship, and traditions passed down through generations. Among the 68 nominations this year are other unique cultural practices, such as the use of Thanakha face powder in Myanmar and the El Joropo music and dance tradition in Venezuela. This list differs from the UNESCO World Heritage List, which protects significant physical sites like the Pyramids of Giza.

In preparation for potential recognition, Professor Rass highlighted initiatives aimed at ensuring the future of yodelling. “We figured out some projects to bring it to the future. And one of those is that we bring the yodel to primary schools,” she said. Currently, 20 Swiss school teachers are integrating yodelling into their curricula, aiming to introduce it to new generations.

“I think it’s a very good chance for the future of the yodel to be on that (UNESCO) list,” Professor Rass expressed, underscoring her commitment to preserving this cultural heritage. As Switzerland awaits UNESCO’s decision, the tradition of yodelling stands at the forefront of a cultural revival that resonates both locally and globally.