Switzerland has officially nominated yodeling for inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with a final decision expected by the end of the year, according to the Associated Press.
Modern performers emphasize that yodeling is far more than mountain calls in falsetto — it’s a living vocal art form that bridges generations and connects people to the Alpine landscape. Over the past century, hundreds of yodeling clubs have emerged across Switzerland, preserving and evolving the tradition.
Once a means of communication between herders across valleys, yodeling has evolved into a structured musical form with lyrics, melodies, and even academic recognition. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts became the first Swiss institution to offer formal yodeling studies, highlighting its artistic value.
Professor Nadja Rass from the university remarked, “Switzerland has four official languages, but I believe there’s a fifth — yodeling.”
Within Switzerland, styles vary: in the Appenzell region, yodels are slower and more melancholic, while in the central cantons they are brisk and energetic. Once dominated by men, yodeling now attracts a growing number of women, reflecting the country’s social transformation.
UNESCO’s committee on intangible heritage will announce its decision in December in New Delhi. Among the 68 global nominations this year are traditional face powder from Myanmar, music from Ghana, and a fermented drink from Kyrgyzstan.