Difficulty: Challenger (Level 3)
The United Nations’ cultural agency has officially recognised Swiss yodelling as an important part of the world’s cultural heritage. The traditional singing style is used by herders in the Swiss Alps. It is also taught and shared by families, clubs and music schools.
When people yodel or sing melodies without words, it is called natural yodelling. Songs, on the other hand, have verses and parts that repeat. They often talk about nature and everyday life.
Markus Egli is the choir leader of a yodelling club in the Swiss city of Lucerne. He said Unesco’s listing is a great way to support yodelling’s future.
“This singing is part of our culture, part of Switzerland’s identity,” he said, adding that according to tradition, it started as a way to communicate between mountains.
