Shout-out for yodeling? Swiss seek recognition from UN cultural agency as tradition turns modern

Switzerland has nominated yodelling for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, highlighting its evolution from Alpine herding calls to a modern art form. With growing popularity and academic recognition, advocates hope UNESCO recognition will preserve and promote this distinct national musical tradition worldwide

Lucerne: Yodel-ay-hee … what?! Those famed yodelling calls that for centuries have echoed through the Alps, and more recently have morphed into popular song and folk music, could soon reap a response — from faraway Paris.

Switzerland’s government is looking for a shout-out from the UN cultural agency UNESCO, based in the French capital, to include the tradition of yodelling on its list of intangible cultural heritage. A decision is expected by year-end.

Modern-day promote